January was a pivotal month for Samsung, highlighted by the launch of its AI flagship, the Galaxy S25. This device represents a major milestone for the company, but February could prove even more significant. The success of the S25 will largely depend on how users receive the device, particularly with the Android 15 and One UI 7 upgrade it brings.
How well Samsung manages the rollout of these updates will determine the company’s standing by the end of the month, and it’s crucial that they don’t get it wrong.
While Google was a key partner in the development and launch of the S25, the February Android security update presents new challenges for Samsung. This month’s update includes a zero-day vulnerability, CVE-2024-53104, which is currently under active exploitation. This issue affects the Android core Linux kernel, potentially triggering memory instability due to mishandled video frames.
Google has warned that the vulnerability is already being targeted, and there are concerns it may spread further before a fix is deployed. This highlights ongoing issues with Samsung’s update process, as urgent fixes need to reach all users quickly.
Different Security Fixes for Samsung to Address
In addition to CVE-2024-53104, there is another critical security issue in the February Android update, CVE-2024-45569, which relates to Qualcomm chipsets. Samsung typically delays third-party component fixes, such as those related to Qualcomm, until the following month, meaning this particular fix might not appear until March. Fortunately, there have been no reports of this vulnerability being actively exploited, unlike similar Qualcomm issues from last year. However, Samsung’s delays in addressing such vulnerabilities have become a point of concern, especially when it comes to timely fixes for all devices.
One of the major issues facing new Galaxy S25 owners is the current firmware update, which only includes December’s security patch. Although it’s likely this will be resolved quickly, it underscores Samsung’s ongoing struggles with providing timely updates.
The S25 was expected to offer seamless updates, akin to those found on Google Pixel devices, but delays like these have marred that promise. The device is still awaiting its critical updates, and users are left frustrated by the lack of quick fixes, highlighting the gap in Samsung’s update process despite its flagship status.
Galaxy S24 Owners Still Waiting for One UI 7 Update
For Galaxy S24 owners, the wait for the stable release of One UI 7, which includes Android 15, continues to be a source of frustration. This upgrade promises significant improvements in security and performance, but it has not yet been rolled out. Officially, Samsung plans to release One UI 7 for newer flagships by the end of the first quarter, with the S25 receiving it out of the box.
However, it appears that S24 owners may receive the February security update before seeing One UI 7, which is good for addressing security concerns but disappointing for users eagerly awaiting new features. Samsung support has not offered any firm timeline, and speculation about further delays is growing.
With the ongoing security vulnerabilities and delays in firmware updates, it’s crucial for all Samsung users to stay vigilant and ensure their devices are updated as soon as patches are available. Google’s warning about the active exploitation of vulnerabilities should not be taken lightly, and timely updates are essential to protect against potential security threats. Whether you’re using a Galaxy S25, S24, or any other device, ensuring your phone is fully updated is critical to maintaining its security and performance.