MOBILE phone users with Android devices have been urged to check their settings for an important security update.
has released a patch for 62 cyber flaws in this month's update.
But two bugs are being actively exploited by hackers in targeted attacks, according to Google, and have been given a high-severity rating.
“With two vulnerabilities currently being exploited by , it’s absolutely essential thatAndroidusers update their devices immediately,” said Adam Boynton, senior security strategy manager atsoftware firm Jamf.
The two cyber flaws, known to Google as CVE-2024-53150 and CVE-2024-53197, give hackers sophisticated access to Android phones.
According to Boynton, “CVE-2024-53150 would allow an attacker to access sensitive information without user interaction.
“While CVE-2024-53197 could lead to memory corruption or even privilege escalation if exploited by attackers.”
The second flaw, CVE-2024-53197, wasused by authorities to unlock confiscated Android devices,Bleeping Computer reported.
In its April 2025 security bulletin, Google said the flaws were being exploited in a “limited” and “targeted” way.
But now that they have been made public, more hackers may be tempted to use them against unprotected phones.
“Although this is a targeted attack, we strongly recommend that all users update theirAndroidOS,” Boynton explained.
“Now that these CVEs are public, more attackers are likely to target devices that have not yet been updated.
“Keeping all devices across every operating system up to date is one of the most effective ways to safeguard against attackers.”;
Google told its manufacturing partners, like , , and Acer, about the fixes in January, according to a statement to Bleeping Computer.
That means Android phonemakers, beyond Google, have had a chance to start building security patches for their own devices.
receive these updates immediately, while other vendors often take longer to fine-tune the security patches for their specific handsets.
Update your device
Make sure you download the security patch 2025-04-05 or later to fix these vulnerabilities.
To check which Android version your device is:
- Open your device's Settings app.
- TapAbout phoneorAbout tablet> Android version.
- Find your ‘Android version', ‘Android security update' and ‘Build number'.
To get the latest Android updates available for your device:
- Open your device's Settings app.
- TapSystem> Software update. You'll find your update status.
- Follow the on-screen instructions.
If you have a Pixel device, it may say Software updates or System update.
