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Android Bug Fixes Roll Out to Nexus Devices

The fix fixes a slew of bugs, including one related to a media framework that caused Stagefright issues to return.

 & Don Reisinger donreisinger@gmail.com

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Google's monthly Android patch is one you might want to keep an eye on.

The fix takes aim at a slew of critical vulnerabilities, including one related to a media framework that caused Stagefright issues to return. The fix also includes security updates on Bluetooth and Download Manager features, among others.

"The most severe of these issues is a Critical security vulnerability that could enable remote code execution on an affected device through multiple methods such as email, web browsing, and MMS when processing media files," Google says.

Google releases monthly security updates for Nexus devices, which get the over-the-air updates immediately. But the company also posts the patches to its developer site, so partner vendors can patch their own devices. That process, however, can sometimes be slow to get to devices, if at all.

Still, this one is particularly notable. Last month, security firm NorthBit uncovered the Metaphor exploit, which attacked devices running Android and caused the reemergence of the nasty Stagefright flaw.

To its credit, Google was quick to respond to the vulnerability and patched the issue. In addition, it talked of some other issues it discovered, including a particularly nasty flaw that would have given a hacker kernel access to a device and allow the person to do whatever he or she wants.

About Our Expert

Don Reisinger

Don Reisinger

donreisinger@gmail.com

Don Reisinger is a longtime freelance technology journalist and product reviewer. He covers everything from Apple to gaming to start-ups. You can follow him on Twitter @donreisinger.

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