Android March Patch Brings Feature Drop To Pixel Devices

Google has now released the March security update for Android. A number of weaknesses are fixed in the process. In addition, the Google Pixel series is getting a few new functions – including an improved suggestion function and new wallpapers.

According to the current Android Security Bulletin, several security gaps classified as critical will be closed. A total of 43 vulnerabilities were reported. For pixel users, however, the new functions that start via feature drop are particularly interesting: These include improved voice recording in the recorder, which is now easier to share, an update for underwater photography, and improved suggestion function and a number of new ones’ Wallpaper.

As always, Google sent the details of the security vulnerabilities to its partners in the previous month. The new security patch now fixes weaknesses that could be used remotely by an attacker to take control of the device and view confidential information or make the device unusable.

As usual, the security update is initially available for Google Pixel as an over-the-air update. Alternatively, the images are available for download.

Important changes

Google is addressing several known issues and reported bugs with the March patch. These include weaknesses in the framework and in the kernel that could allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code within the framework of a privileged process (remote code execution). In addition, Google addresses, among other things, highly classified errors in the system and Qualcomm components.

No active use

According to Google, there is currently no indication of the active exploitation of the vulnerabilities. However, all current Android versions from 8.1, 9.0, 10, and version 11 are affected. Some problems are version-specific, others affect all users.

In version 2021-03-01 there is the so-called partial security patch level string, which contains the remediation for one critical and 6 as high as well as two as moderate security gaps. In version 2021-03-05, the complete Security Patch Level String, there is a long list of further security holes, improvements and optimizations.