Google has released the August security patch for its Pixel and Nexus lineup of smartphones. As always, the patch brings with it fixes for any security flaw that may have existed in Android devices. In its official security bulletin, the company notes that one of the severe issues that the patch fixes was a “critical security vulnerability” in the media framework. This could allow a remote attacker to execute arbitrary code within the context of a privileged process via a specially crafted file.
However, Google notes that its partners were notified of the issues at least a month ago. “Partners were notified of the issues described in the bulletin at least a month ago. Source code patches for these issues will be released to the Android Open Source Project (AOSP) repository in the next 48 hours,” the company notes in the bulletin. Google says that they have had no reports of active customer exploitation or abuse of these newly reported issues.
The August Security Patch is being rolled out as an OTA update and should be available to Google Pixel and Nexus devices within the coming days. However, if you cannot wait, you can also flash a factory image or side load an OTA by clicking here or here respectively.
It should also be noted that Google may launch Android O sometime later this month. The update should first be available to Pixel devices, followed by other devices. The company should also unveil the Pixel 2 in the coming weeks as well.