Google releases critical free Android update that fixes 17 flaws
Google has released an update to Android that fixes a critical storage bug that left customers without access to valuable files and 17 security flaws.
Forbes reported that the Android security update will address critical vulnerabilities that could allow hackers to exploit a limited, targeted attack on a number of devices.
The first of the vulnerabilities that the update addresses is the Qualcomm vulnerability, which the processor manufacturer warned about and said at the time that OEMs received the fix a few weeks ago, urging them to update as soon as possible.
However, a number of Google Pixel users reported a “bug” that made them unable to retrieve some of their stored memories, such as old photos and videos, according to thesun.
Pixel users were then thrown into an endless loop of reboots in an attempt to fix it or factory reset their devices.
“Depending on the device, this issue can result in the primary user being unable to access media storage,” a Google spokesperson told 9to5Google at the time.
Alternatively, the issue can result in the device rebooting with a “factory data reset” message.
If this message is accepted, any data that wasn’t backed up may be lost, and if it is denied, the device will reboot repeatedly with a “Pixel is starting” message.”
In some cases, the camera app also won’t open and users won’t be able to download anything because their device is reporting that storage is full.
Original Android owners with the Pixel 6, Pixel 6 Pro, Pixel 7, or Pixel 7a were the most affected.
A Google representative explained that the company is rolling out an Android update in the next two weeks that will “restore your device to a working state.”
A handful of Pixel owners told Forbes that the update has completely resolved the media storage issue.
The November patch also addresses more than a dozen "high" and "critical" security issues.
A separate Google bulletin lists eight additional security fixes.
The update is available for the following devices:
• Pixel 4a
• Pixel 5G
• Pixel 5
• Pixel 5a
• Pixel 6
• Pixel 6 Pro
• Pixel 6a
• Pixel 7
• Pixel 7 Pro
• Pixel 7a
• Pixel Tablet
• Pixel Fold
• Pixel 8
• Pixel 8 Pro