Samsung's August 2024 security patch will be critical for Galaxy devices, company states

Samsung Galaxy device owners should prioritize installing the upcoming August 2024 security update above everything else, as per latest reports. The update will address a critical vulnerability (CVE-2024-32896) that affects all Android devices, not just Google Pixel phones as originally presumed in the aftermath of the Pixel Zero-day exploit from June.

Details about the specific nature of CVE-2024-32896 haven't been publicly disclosed by Google or Samsung. Affecting all Android devices, this critical issue highlights a systemic weakness within the Android operating system. The 'critical' classification from both Google and Samsung indicates that the vulnerability could allow attackers to potentially gain unauthorized access to a device or steal sensitive data. What's more, even the US government mandated Pixel updates by July 4th, showing just how important addressing this vulnerability is. As per reports, this loophole is “being actively exploited in the wild by forensic companies.”

Samsung is including a patch for CVE-2024-32896 in the August 2024 update, even if it means potentially delaying other features like camera improvements for the Galaxy S24 series. While the exact contents of the August update remain to be seen, Samsung is expected to also integrate newer Galaxy AI features from One UI 6.1.1. In the coming months, Samsung may release the first Android 15-based One UI 7.0 beta update for high-end devices, followed by a stable rollout for most compatible phones and tablets before the end of the year.

Later this year, interested users will have the opportunity to participate in the One UI 7.0 beta program, letting them have a sneak-peek into the upcoming Android 15 update.