Android owners should be on the lookout for the latest update from Google if they want to keep their devices safe. The US technology firm has just released its first security bulletin of the year and it seems that one flaw has been discovered that is so serious it’s been deemed critical.
According to the update notes from Google, the bug could enable a remote attacker to access Android devices via a vulnerability in the Media framework.
Explaining more, the US firm revealed on its website that, “the most severe issues is a critical security vulnerability in Media framework that could enable a remote attacker using a specially crafted file to execute arbitrary code within the context of a privileged process.
“The severity assessment is based on the effect that exploiting the vulnerability would possibly have on an affected device, assuming the platform and service mitigations are turned off for development purposes or if successfully bypassed.”
The fix will be available on phones running Android 8, 8.1, 9 and the latest version of Android 10.
The news of the update comes as some Android owners are set for a big new iPhone feature arriving on their phones.
If you own an Android device from Vivo, Oppo or Xiaomi then there’s good news as the Chinese trio are finally kickstarting their feverishly anticipated “Peer-to-Peer Transmission Alliance” that will allow for seamless file transfers between devices à la Apple AirDrop.
The Peer-to-Peer Transmission Alliance is a big deal, especially because the tech trio accounted for 45 percent of China’s mobile phone market share in the third quarter of 2019, according to data from Counterpoint Research.
The three Chinese firms have also expressed a deep desire to expand the new alliance.
Announcing the launch of the Peer-to-Peer Transmission Alliance, Oppo said: “World-leading smartphone brands OPPO, vivo and Xiaomi (in alphabetical order) have joined forces to expand the Peer-to-Peer Transmission Alliance in the global market, while also welcoming more Android smartphone brands to join the movement. The Alliance will allow users to transmit files, pictures and videos without the need for an internet connection, reflecting how OPPO and its innovative operating system – ColorOS – is open to cooperate with other platforms.