Samsung and Google Pixel phones face new security risk: Everything you need to know
If you’re using any Exynos-powered Samsung phone or Pixel 6/7, Google’s Project Zero team has shared a major security concern that puts them at risk. Samsung also has Exynos-powered smartwatches that are also affected by the zero-day vulnerability. The concern is with Wi-Fi calling and the VoLTE feature, which Google’s security team suggests you should disable immediately.
The Project Zero team has identified 18 security issues in Exynos modems that have been available since late 2022. Worryingly, four of these vulnerabilities pose a potential threat to users whose devices run on this chip.
“Tests conducted by Project Zero confirm that these four vulnerabilities allow an attacker to remotely hack a phone’s baseband without user intervention and only require the attacker to know the victim’s phone number,” Project Zero explained in its message.
The security team has made an unprecedented decision not to share details about these four security holes, which they believe can be exploited more quickly than in most cases.
Devices at risk due to Exynos modem vulnerability
The Project Zero team mentions that the Exynos Modem 5123, 5300, 980, 1080 and others are part of the impact list, with devices such as:
– Samsung Galaxy S22, M33, M13, M12, A71, A53, A33, A21, A13, A12 and A04
– Google Pixel 6, Pixel 6 Pro, Pixel 6a, Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro
– Vivo S16, S15, S6, X70, X60 and X30 series
– Smartwatches powered by the Exynos W920 chipset
– Select cars that use the Exynos Auto T5123 chipset
This week, Google has released the March security update that protects the Pixel 7 and 7 Pro smartphones. But previous versions are still at risk, and the Project Zero team advises users to remove Wi-Fi calling and VoLTE settings from their phones.
Read all the Latest Tech News here.
