Samsung’s Critical Update Issue
February has been a major month for Samsung, especially with the launch of the Galaxy S25 and the much-anticipated One UI 7 update based on Android 15. However, there’s bad news for Galaxy S25 and S24 users—Samsung’s latest security patch misses a crucial zero-day vulnerability fix, leaving devices at risk.
This flaw, tracked as CVE-2024-53104, is actively exploited, affecting Android’s core Linux kernel, causing memory instability when processing video frames. Google has issued a warning, but Samsung’s February update surprisingly doesn’t include the fix.
Samsung’s Security Update Delay: What It Means for You
Samsung has a mixed track record when it comes to security patch rollouts. Sometimes, it releases fixes immediately, while at other times, it delays them for the next month. This time, the missing patch raises concerns as it directly impacts the security of Samsung Galaxy S25, S24, and other flagship devices.
Additionally, another critical Android security fix is also absent from Samsung’s February update. While Samsung has not provided an official statement yet, users must take precautions.
How to Prepare for the One UI 7 Update on Galaxy S25 & S24
If you own a Samsung Galaxy S25, S24, or any compatible device, here’s how you can prepare for the One UI 7 update while keeping your phone secure:
1. Check for Software Updates Manually
- Go to Settings > Software Update > Download and Install
- Ensure your device is running the latest security patch
2. Enable Google Play System Updates
- Navigate to Settings > Security & Privacy > Google Play System Update
- This ensures Google’s security fixes are applied even if Samsung delays its patch
3. Use a Secure Browser & Updated Apps
- Make sure your apps, especially Chrome and banking apps, are updated
- Use Samsung Internet or Google Chrome with Safe Browsing enabled
4. Avoid Downloading Untrusted APKs
- Since this vulnerability affects video processing, avoid downloading unknown video-related files
- Stick to Google Play Store and Samsung’s Galaxy Store for app downloads
5. Enable Samsung’s Knox Security
- Go to Settings > Security & Privacy > More Security Settings
- Enable Secure Folder and App Permissions Monitoring
When Will Samsung Fix the Missing Security Patch?
As of now, there is no official response from Samsung on when the missing CVE-2024-53104 fix will be included. Historically, Samsung has released security patches in its monthly updates, but given the severity of this issue, a mid-month emergency update could be possible.
If you’re a Galaxy S25 or S24 user, keep an eye on Samsung’s security bulletin and enable automatic updates to ensure you don’t miss the fix once it’s released.
Final Thoughts: Is Your Samsung Device at Risk?
Samsung’s One UI 7 update and February security patch have left users in a tricky situation. While the Galaxy S25 has been praised for its AI features and performance, security remains a crucial concern.
If you’re a Galaxy S25 or S24 user, take immediate action by following the security measures mentioned above. Stay updated with Samsung’s announcements, and ensure your device is protected from potential attacks.