Key Firefox and Android updates you need to be aware of

Patrick Devaney
Feb 1, 2023
Updated • Feb 1, 2023
Security
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The new year has brought with it a host of new software updates across a variety of different apps and programs. While many of these updates are routine, with some offering basic patches or minor feature updates or tweaks, there are a couple that you should be aware of, with a couple of programmes in particular requiring immediate attention.

Update Android

If you are an Android user and you have the option, it is probably a good idea to update your Android device now. The Android security bulletin for January includes details of several issues that the latest updates are addressing but the most important is that there is a high-security vulnerability in Android’s Framework component. If left unattended this vulnerability could lead to local escalation of privileges.

It is best to update your version of Android as soon as possible then to prevent the possibility that a malicious app or attacker could gain elevated permissions on an Android device without the user's knowledge. This could result in sensitive information being accessed or malicious actions being performed on the device.

If you own a Pixel device, then the latest Android security patch should already be available to you. However, if your Android device is from a third-party manufacturer such as Samsung or OnePlus, then you will have to consult with their websites to find out when they will be making their patches available to users.

Firefox needs updating too

As well as Android having critical security vulnerabilities that need patching as soon as possible, Mozilla has also announced details of bugs in Firefox that should be patched as soon as possible too. Firefox 109 includes various updates and patches but the most important are the patches to the 11 flaws which the foundation classifies as having the potential to have a high impact on users.

These include memory safety bugs have significant potential to cause several problems for users including:

  • Arbitrary file read
  • Malicious command injection
  • Persistent notification permissions
  • Website spoofing attacks
  • Connections to restricted origins
  • Data exfiltration from the browser
  • Bypassing web security checks
  • Arbitrary code execution due to memory corruption

All this means that leaving Firefox unpatched and not updating to Firefox 109 could see your personal files, browsing history, or login credentials compromised by attackers exploiting the vulnerabilities. Also, the arbitrary code execution vulnerability could allow attackers to take control of your affected device. Therefore, it is recommended to update your Firefox browser as soon as possible.

Summary
Key software updates you need to be aware of
Article Name
Key software updates you need to be aware of
Description
January has brought with it a variety of software updates but there are two that stand out as particularly important.
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Ghacks Technology News
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Comments

  1. ilev said on February 1, 2023 at 7:34 pm
    Reply

    Except for Pixel 99% of Android devices don’t get security or OS version updates.

    1. dmacleo said on February 1, 2023 at 8:48 pm
      Reply

      my samsung S9+ and S10+ as well as my S7 Tablet got updates between 12-28-2022 and 1-15-2023

  2. 11r20 said on February 1, 2023 at 11:15 pm
    Reply

    I’ve avoided all hacking on two, 10 year old. rooted ‘android 5’s’ by deleting the text messaging service and filling up the MMS, MMSC access points with as much gibberish & emoji’s as they would allow.

    I also deleted all the apps and bloatware.

    Both phones still working ‘Great’

    My wife bought me a new Galaxy AO3s android 12 that i’d like to root, if anyone has experience with this phone model.
    Thanks in advance

  3. Jojo said on February 2, 2023 at 10:10 am
    Reply

    “If you own a Pixel device, then the latest Android security patch should already be available to you.”
    ——-
    Nope! Many complaints on Google community about Pixel devices that haven’t gotten the monthly security updates since Nov. My Pixel 5a has this issue.

    With Dec & Jan failure to become available, our collective breath is being held as we wait to see if Feb 2023 updates come through.

    Numerous similar complaints like this:
    https://support.google.com/pixelphone/thread/194266277/what-remedies-will-fix-pixel-5a-5g-failure-to-received-december-2022-update

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