Google releases October Android security patch for Pixel devices

Google has started rolling out the October Android security update for their Pixel smartphones. Along with the security patches and fixes you can expect from such an update, it also brings some features and improvements. The last security update was released on September 4th.

For example, the update improves the fast-charging experience on the Pixel and Pixel XL. The update also brings improvements in performance for Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL handsets for certain protected media formats, and improved stability when using Android Auto. All Pixel handsets had their Call Screening behavior when using Maps Navigation, modified.

On the security side, the patch dated October 1st takes care of 23 issues ranging in severity from critical (8) to high (14) and moderate (1). The October 5th patch deals with three issues all rated high. None of the four Pixel phones required any security fixes, and no Android user was reported to have been negatively impacted by the security issues. 

The most potentially serious issue, according to the monthly Android Security Bulletin, was one that could have allowed a remote attacker to execute arbitrary code using a specially crafted file.

On the Pixel 2 XL the update is reportedly around 54.5MB in size. Users should get a notification when it is available for their handsets, at which point they can initiate the over-the-air update. As the month progresses, we expect more Android handsets will receive this security update.

source - Google ( 1 | 2 )