Google Fixes 43 Security Flaws After Android Exploit

A zero-day vulnerability in the Android operating system can be exploited to unlock any Android smartphone. Serbian law enforcement has already unlocked the Android smartphones of certain individuals and tried to install surveillance software on them, according to the Security Lab of human rights organization Amnesty International.

After learning about this from the organization, Google has fixed a total of 43 security flaws, including this one, in Android’s March security update. The company also advised using the updated version of Android quickly to prevent cyber attacks and data theft.

   

According to Google, one of the bugs fixed was a security flaw in the USB video class driver, which was fixed last month. There was also a bug in the USB sound driver, which was identified by Amnesty International’s Security Lab. This bug was fixed in this month’s security updates.

Experts say that it is possible to take control of an Android phone by exploiting security flaws in the USB driver, firmware and kernel of the Android operating system. Such security flaws can be used to create memory vulnerabilities, inject malicious commands or bypass the lock screen. However, to carry out such attacks, one has to take direct control of the device, which is easy for law enforcement agencies. They can easily arrest a person and seize his phone.

To stay safe from such security flaws, cybersecurity experts have advised users to take precautionary measures. For this, they should disable USB debugging on the phone and use encryption. They also advised to be careful when using USB drives, including installing regular security updates.