Google Releases August 2019 Android Security Update For Pixel Devices

Android Q is going to launch in sometime this quarter, but before that, Pixel devices are receiving at least one more 9.0 Pie update alongside the August security patch. It contains the usual bug fixes, with factory images and OTAs now available.




There are 15 issues resolved in the August security patch dated 2019-08-01 and 11 for 2019-08-05. Vulnerabilities range from Moderate to Critical, with the most severe relating to the media framework and a remote attacker possibly executing arbitrary code through a crafted file. 

In the Android Security & Privacy 2018 Year in Review, Google notes that “no critical security vulnerabilities affecting the Android platform were publicly disclosed without a security update or mitigation available for Android devices.” Additionally, there was an 84% year-over-year jump in security patches during Q4 2018 compared to the prior year.



According to Google, there were “no reports of active customer exploitation or abuse of these newly reported issues.” The Pixel C tablet from 2015 no longer receives Android 8.1 security patches. The dedicated bulletin for Google’s phones and tablets lists 3 security fixes and 3 functional updates. There are two Wi-Fi-related improvements for all Pixels, while the Pixel 3a and 3a XL pick up “Sleep mode improvements.”

You will find each image or OTA file at the links below. For instructions on how to flash a factory image, here you go. To check for the update, head into Settings>System>Advanced>System update.

Links:

• Factory Images
• OTA Files
• Pixel/Nexus Security Bulletin
• Android Security Bulletin