Hackers can take over your phones. Several models are in danger

Google cybersecurity specialists have published a long list of 18 errors in Samsung Exynos modems. Four vulnerabilities allow hackers to take control of phones without the victim realizing it.

Security holes in Samsung and Vivo phones

All models using the Exynos chip are at risk. These are, among other things:

• Samsung S22, M33, M13, M12, A71, A53, A33, A21, A13, A12 and A04 phones;

• phones Vivo S16, S15, S6, X70, X60, X30;

• Smartwatches and other wearable devices with Exynos W920 chip, including Galaxy Watch 4 and 5;

• Cars using Exynos Auto T5123 chip.

So far, a security patch has not been released that would eliminate four vulnerabilities that allow the so-called. Zero click RCE attacks. For now, this means that hackers can take control of a victim’s smartphone with just their phone number. In addition, this can happen without the knowledge of the user and without giving the perpetrators any permissions.

Google previously released a security patch for its Pixel 6 and Pixel 7 phones. The company first reported the issue confidentially to Samsung, but has a policy of releasing such data 90 days after the manufacturer warned of the vulnerability.

Dangerous smartphone from Exynos - how to protect yourself?

If we have any of the above models or another smartphone with Exynos, we must immediately take two steps. This is necessary to disable the Wi-Fi Calling option, as well as the VoLTE function.

These features are found in the device’s settings, often under the Connections > Wi-Fi and Connections > Mobile networks tabs. However, third-party software and their overlays may offset these features. The easiest way to find them is with the option search function in the settings.