Urgent Android Security Update Fixes 43 Vulnerabilities | Image Source: www.bleepingcomputer.com
On March 7, 2025 – Google released its first Pixel drop of 2025, introducing a wave of improvements for ​Pixel devices. However, with these updates, the company also published a critical security bulletin, corrective 43 vulnerabilities, including two zero-day exploits that are actively used in targeted attacks. The March ​2025 Android Security Newsletter is a vital update for all Android users, addressing serious threats ​that could allow unauthorized access to sensitive data.
What ​are the vulnerabilities of zero days and why do ​you care?
Zero-day vulnerabilities are safety deficiencies that are publicly known ​before the proponent ​has ​time to park them. This means that ​attackers can exploit these weaknesses before users get a solution, making ​them particularly dangerous. In the last update, Google identified and treated two of these defects: CVE-2024-43093 and ​CVE-2024-50302.
Understanding the two days zero threat
According to ​the Bleeping computer, CVE-2024-43093 is an Android Framework privilege escalation defect that allows attackers to pass through a file route filter using incorrect Unicode normalization. This vulnerability provides unauthorized access ​to sensitive directories without requiring other ​user ​execution privileges. ​Essentially, ​it allows attackers to access restricted ​system files deceiving the operating system to ​treat certain routes as safe.
Day two zero, CVE-2024-50302, is an even more serious problem. It ​affects the human interface device (HID) controller of the ​Linux kernel, which manages input ​devices such as ​keyboards and touch screens. As reported by Amnesty International, the explosion was ​reportedly used by Serbian law enforcement ​forces ​to unlock confiscated ​devices belonging to militants. ​It was part of a larger ​zero-day operating chain developed by Israeli forensic company Cellebrite, which included other defects in USB connectivity and sound controllers.
What’s the threat?
Although current reports suggest limited and specific exploitation, history has shown that once zero-day vulnerabilities become public knowledge, they tend to spread. Cybercriminals often adapt these funds to broader attacks, which means that users who delay updates are exposed to significant risk.
Google confirmed that it was aware of these vulnerabilities before recent reports and had already developed corrections. A company ​spokesman said Bleeping Computer, “We are aware ​of ​these vulnerabilities ​and the risk of exploitation before these ​reports and quickly developed Android fixes. Corrections were communicated to OEM partners in a partner advisor on 18 January.”
How to Protect Your ​Android Device
The easiest way to protect your device is to install the latest security update as soon as it is available. Most users receive automatic update notifications, but you can manually check after these ​steps:
- Go ​to Settings on your Android device.
- Tap About phone or About tablet.
- Select Android version to check your current security patch level.
- Navigate to System ​> Software update ​to see if an update is available.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to ​install the latest patches.
For Pixel users, updates are usually available ​immediately. However, other manufacturers such ​as Samsung, OnePlus and Motorola can take more time to test ​and implement security patches on their devices.
The Scope of March 2025 Android Security Update
Beyond ​the two zero-day critical vulnerabilities, the March security update also addresses:
- 11 vulnerabilities that allow ​remote code ​execution on vulnerable devices.
- Flaws in Qualcomm ​and MediaTek components that could expose users to attacks.
- Kernel and closed-source third-party component issues that ​required immediate patching.
Google ​has issued two levels of protection: 2025-03-01 and 2025-03-05. This includes all corrections to the previous patch, as well as additional security improvements for some devices.
The biggest image: growing security concern ​on Android
The latest security update highlights current concerns about ​Android’s vulnerability to forensic attacks and government surveillance. Amnesty International’s research into the use of Celebrite tools ​by ​Serbian authorities to unlock militant devices raises questions about digital privacy. The ​organisation’s forensic analysis revealed that “the UFED product of Cellebrite has enabled the authorities to obtain privileged access to the root of the phone and unlock the ​device”
As threats to mobile security evolve, governments, businesses and cyber criminals invest ​heavily in the development ​of operations. This trend puts pressure on ​Google and ​other technology companies to release security patches faster and improve ​device protection.
What’s next for Android Security?
While Google’s rapid response to these vulnerabilities ​is commendable, it ​also highlights the need for ​users to remain proactive on ​cybersecurity. Regular updates, secure application facilities and robust device encryption remain essential practices to protect personal data.
Furthermore, this ​incident recalls that digital forensic tools, which are often marketed as legal solutions for law enforcement, can also be misused to attack people. As cyber threats become more sophisticated, making sure your ​device is protected with the ​latest security fixes is not just a recommendation, ​it’s a necessity.
