Google released its September security update last week, warning that Android devices are under attack. However, many Samsung users were already protected by an update from the company in August. But not all Samsung users received this important update. If your device didn’t get it, you might still be at risk.
The main threat comes from CVE-2024-32896, a serious issue that Google first disclosed in April. This vulnerability has been fixed now, but forensic companies had used it in a chain attack. This means hackers combine different flaws to take control of devices.
CVE-2024-32896: More Than Just a Pixel Problem
At first, Google thought this vulnerability only affected its own Pixel devices. However, it later admitted that the issue was much bigger and impacted the entire Android ecosystem, including Samsung phones.
In June, the U.S. government warned Pixel users to update their devices or stop using them because of this issue. Unfortunately, the government didn’t update the warning when it became clear that other Android phones were also at risk.
Samsung acted quickly and released a security patch for this vulnerability in August. This update also included a fix for CVE-2024-36971, another major flaw that led to another U.S. government warning. The government set a deadline of August 28 for all Android users to update their devices due to this threat.
Samsung’s Early Response, But Limited Rollout
Many thought the fix for CVE-2024-32896 wouldn’t be available for most Android devices until much later. But to its credit, Samsung delivered the patch earlier than expected, releasing it in August.
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However, Samsung didn’t extend this update to all users immediately. The company follows a strict schedule for updates. Some devices get updates monthly, while others only get them every few months or twice a year. Unfortunately, this means that many Samsung devices on slower update schedules didn’t get the critical August patch.
Samsung stuck to its regular update plan, despite calls to speed up the release for all devices. So, if your device is not on the monthly update list, you might still be at risk from these security issues.
Who’s Still at Risk?
Samsung users with older devices or those on quarterly or biannual updates may not have received the August security patch. This is concerning because the vulnerabilities are serious, and some devices are more exposed to these threats.
Recently, more Samsung devices have been removed from the update list altogether. For example, the Galaxy Tab S7 series and Galaxy Z Flip 5G are no longer receiving updates. Millions of users with these devices will need to upgrade to stay safe.
Why You Should Upgrade
This year, Android has faced many serious security threats, and hackers have exploited multiple vulnerabilities. It’s crucial to keep your device updated. Samsung strictly follows its update schedule. If your device isn’t on the list for regular updates, you might not be protected from these ongoing threats.
Samsung publishes a security scope on its website, which shows which devices get monthly, quarterly, or biannual updates. If your phone is no longer on the monthly update list, it’s time to think about upgrading. Older devices that lose support stop receiving any updates, leaving them open to new security risks.
Conclusion: Stay Safe, Keep Your Device Updated
Samsung users who received the August update are safe from CVE-2024-32896. But if your device didn’t get that update, you might still be at risk. Devices that only get quarterly or biannual updates could be exposed to dangerous vulnerabilities.
The threats to Android devices are serious, and the consequences of not updating your device can be severe. If your phone isn’t receiving regular updates, it’s time to upgrade. Samsung moved fast to release the patch in August, but it’s up to users to make sure their phones are protected. Don’t wait—check your update status and stay safe.