Samsung has recently released the latest security update for its Galaxy S21 series. The update, which includes the July 2023 security patch, is now available in select Latin American countries and will soon expand to other regions. Both the Galaxy S22 and Galaxy S23 devices have already started receiving this update.
What’s new in this update?
The firmware version G99xBXXS9EWF3 brings the July 2023 security patch to the Galaxy S21, Galaxy S21+, and Galaxy S21 Ultra. This update addresses more than 90 security vulnerabilities that were present in the previous software version. Notably, this update focuses solely on security enhancements and does not introduce any new features or performance improvements. Currently, it is accessible in Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Mexico, Peru, and Uruguay.
The security bulletin released by Samsung highlights that the July 2023 security patch resolves a total of 90 security flaws across various Galaxy phones and tablets. Among these fixes, 52 have been provided by Google, while Samsung has developed 38 security vulnerability fixes. Three critical flaws have been addressed, alongside 56 high-priority issues. The remaining vulnerabilities are considered moderate risks. It is worth mentioning that Google has now incorporated three fixes already included in the June 2023 patch by Samsung in the July update.
Some of the security vulnerabilities addressed by Samsung (SVEs) relate to manual package installation through ADB command, improper audio system access control, UWB chipset identifier, broadcast SMS configuration, Galaxy Themes Service, and more. Improper access control problems were also present in Settings, and certain internal testing functions suffered from out-of-bounds write issues, potentially allowing unauthorized code execution.
Most of the flaws detected are found in devices running Android 11, Android 12, Android 12L, and Android 13, with some issues specifically related to Qualcomm chips and components, Mali and PowerVR GPUs, and memory management.
If you reside in any of the aforementioned countries and own a Galaxy S21 series phone, you can promptly download the new update. To install it, navigate to Settings, select Software Update, and tap Download and Install.
The Galaxy S21 series was launched by Samsung in early 2021 with Android 11 as the pre-installed operating system. Subsequently, the devices received the Android 12 update in late 2021 and the Android 13 update in late 2022. Later this year, Samsung is expected to release the Android 14-based One UI 6.0 update for the Galaxy S21 series.
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(Via)
