Google Releases Android 10 Security Patch for January 2020, 40 Flaws Patched

Google has released the Android Security Patch for January 2020 and Pixel Update for January 2020 to address the latest security vulnerabilities and provide stability and performance improvements.

Consisting of the 2020-01-01 and 2020-01-05 security patch levels, the Android Security Patch for January 2020 is here to patch a total of 40 security vulnerabilities discovered in the Android framework, system, media framework, kernel components, as well as Qualcomm components, including closed-source ones.

Among the most severe vulnerabilities addressed in the Android Security Patch for January 2020, we can mention a flaw discovered in the Android framework that could allow a local malicious app to gain access to additional permissions, an issue in the Android system that could lead to remote information disclosure, and a flaw in the Media framework that could allow a remote attacker to execute arbitrary code by using a specially crafted file.

“The most severe of these issues is a critical security vulnerability in Media framework that could enable a remote attacker using a specially crafted file to execute arbitrary code within the context of a privileged process. The severity assessment is based on the effect that exploiting the vulnerability would possibly have on an affected device,” reads the security bulletin.

Rolling out now to all Pixel users

Google also published the Pixel Update for January 2020, which includes fixes for a total of 37 vulnerabilities discovered in the kernel and Qualcomm components. The most sever vulnerability addressed in this update could enable a proximate attacker to execute arbitrary code within the context of a privileged process by using a specially crafted transmission.

The Pixel Update for January 2020 also fixes notification display issues in the UI, a Wi-Fi crash that could occur on certain enterprise APs (Access Points), and an issue where devices could get stuck during boot on Android 10. These fixes are available for supported Pixel devices, including Pixel 2, Pixel 2 XL, Pixel 3, Pixel 3 XL, Pixel 3a, Pixel 3a XL, Pixel 4, and Pixel 4 XL.

Additionally, Google has fixed the NGA/flashlight toggle function and color shifting at lower brightness, and added Smooth Display support for the WeChat app on Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL devices, fixed Wi-Fi connection issues for Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL users, improved call speaker audio quality on Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL devices, and improved audio in video capture in the Camera app for Pixel 3a and Pixel 3a XL devices.

The Android Security Patch for January 2020 and Pixel Update for January 2020 are rolling out now to all supported Pixel devices running the latest Android 10 mobile operating system. Users will receive these software updates as part of the January 2020 OTA (Over-the-Air) update in the coming days.