Be careful if you have a Samsung smartphone! Security researchers have spotted a serious flaw that is already being actively exploited by hackers. Update your device quickly!
We can’t say it enough: be vigilant with your devices connected to the Internet. Despite the efforts made by IT giants in cybersecurity, the vast majority of devices available on the market – if not all – are prey to hacks.
Google has also spotted a new flaw in the Exynos processors that equip Samsung smartphones, as reported Android Authority. This particularly concerns older models, such as the Galaxy S10 and Note 10. This vulnerability allows attackers to access sensitive data, spy on the device or even completely control it by installing malware. And, bad news: the hackers are aware, since the flaw has already been actively exploited.
This security vulnerability, designated CVE-2024-44068, affects a driver responsible for image processing. According to the report, attackers can send special commands to the processor to execute arbitrary code and install malware.
To put it simply, it’s as if the memory of your smartphone were a building housing busy offices. When a task is completed, the phone is supposed to close the office door and clear the space. But, because of this flaw, the door remains wide open after everyone leaves. This means that memory is not properly cleared once a process is completed, allowing hackers to infiltrate and potentially take control of your phone.
The flaw was reported to Samsung last July. It targets the manufacturer’s mobile processors, notably older models such as the Exynos 9820, 9825, 980, 990, 850 and W920. We find them, for example, in the Samsung Galaxy S10, the S20 and even in certain Galaxy Watch connected watches.
Fortunately, Samsung fixed the vulnerability with a security update from October 7 and advises all affected users to install this update. The problem is that he did not communicate the list of affected devices. We therefore advise you to check if your devices from the Korean manufacturer use a chip model affected by this security flaw. If in doubt, apply the update immediately, regardless of your model.
There is, however, a small catch, since there are certainly older devices which cannot benefit from this protection, no longer having the right to security patches. If this is you, you should consider upgrading to a newer model to ensure your data and privacy are protected.