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November 2020 security patch fixed a serious bug in Exynos 990 powered Galaxy devices
Samsung has already sent November security updates for its Galaxy devices. Some of the devices even received this patch ahead of November. Aside from the rollout, there’s a security issue that you should know and had appeared on flagship Samsung smartphones.
Samsung has now published the November 2020 security patch details. As usual, the South Korean tech giant fixed different levels of exploits and issues within Samsung phones including 5 Critical, 29 High, and 31 Moderate levels of CVEs. You can check the complete detail of CVEs here.
By looking at the details in detail, we found that the patch fixes a major security issue in devices featuring Exynos 990 and runs Android 10 (One UI 2.x). These devices include Samsung Galaxy S20 Series, Note 20 series, and S20 FE smartphones.
According to the information, the disclosed threat found on Exynos 990 chip allows arbitrary code execution, leading attackers to access your sensitive information/data.
The issue was initially reported on August 11, 2020, but now fixed with patches that prevent buffer overflow and prevents from being comprised.
Related: List of eligible Samsung galaxy devices for monthly and quarterly security updates [November 2020]
Samsung Galaxy S20 Series
Check the details of the fixed vulnerability and affected criteria below:
SVE-2020-18632: Arbitrary code execution in S3K250AF
Severity: High
Affected versions: Q(10.0) devices with Exynos990 chipset
Reported on: August 11, 2020
Disclosure Status: Privately disclosed.
Samsung had previously introduced a Common Criteria Evaluation Assurance Level (CC EAL) 5+ certified Secure Element (SE) turnkey solution for mobile devices. The Secure Element offers a strong security solution, consisting of a security chip (S3K250AF) and optimized software, that fully guards private data on an isolated data storage.
Samsung could debut its first all-solid-state battery smartwatch in 2026. The company has recently announced the completion of small-sized all-solid-state battery development. It is expected to debut with a Galaxy Watch in 2026.
On September 22, Samsung Electro-Mechanics announced that it had successfully developed the world’s first small-sized all-solid-state battery. The company aims to commence the mass production of its new solution in 2026.
As compared to Li-ion batteries, all-solid-state batteries offer enhanced safety and greater flexibility in terms of shape. The company reportedly sent prototypes to its consumers for testing before production approval.
The next-gen all-solid-state battery features an industry-leading energy density of 200Wh/L. It can also be manufactured in curved shapes, making it ideal for smartwatches. Safety is also increased thanks to the non-flammable solid electrolyte.
Chosun expects the 2026 Galaxy Ring and Galaxy Watch could be the first set of devices to use the new battery technology. Samsung Elec won’t make any decision in a hurry as such a major change would be dangerous if not tested rigorously.
Samsung Electro-Mechanics explained that the battery is produced by stacking thin layers of electrodes and electrolyte materials, similar to the MLCC (multilayer ceramic capacitor) manufacturing technology it already possesses.
Samsung plans to begin mass production of 3D stacked SoC in 2026. The company wants to improve performance and overcome the difficulties of semiconductor miniaturization by stacking semiconductors with different functions.
The South Korean tech giant reportedly considering 3D stacked SoC. The company is pursuing both hybrid bonding and TC-NCF stack semiconductors vertically. It’s similar to HBM, which vertically stacks DRAM to increase bandwidth for AI calculations.
Samsung has recently conducted performance tests on stacking mobile APs with TC-NCF and has reportedly obtained good results. Furthermore, using TC-NCF for mobile APs is analyzed as a reflection of confidence in the technology.
Well, Samsung Foundry is not doing well for the next-gen process. The 3nm yield has not yet reached the threshold limit to enter mass production. Meanwhile, it’s good to see Samsung is continuing to innovate for a better future.
Hybrid bonding is an advanced packaging tech that directly connects the copper paths through which semiconductors exchange signals. The technology is not yet mature, hence, it cannot be used in system semiconductors for mobile devices.
To address this flaw, the company is reportedly developing both hybrid bonding and TC-NCF methods simultaneously. Before the hybrid bonding technology is perfected, TC-NCF will likely be applied first to implement 3D stacked mobile APs.
Microsoft announced the launch of a new Windows App for its operating system. The new app will allow Windows users to run Windows and Windows apps across Android, iOS, macOS, iPadOS, and web browsers.
Simply put, the Windows App is a replacement for Microsoft’s Remote Desktop app. The Windows app is available for download on Windows, but you need to sign in with a work or school account to proceed further with the connection.
Microsoft says this unified Windows App attempts to sum up its purpose. It serves as your secure gateway to connect to Windows across Windows 365, Azure Virtual Desktop, Remote Desktop, Remote Desktop Services, Microsoft Dev Box, and more.
- Download from Google Play Store
Whether you need to connect to Windows 365, Azure Virtual Desktop, Remote Desktop, Remote Desktop Services, or Microsoft Dev Box, Windows App simplifies the process to let you manage and utilize these resources from a single app.
What’s new with Windows App?
With the Windows App, you’ll see enhancements designed to make accessing and managing Windows resources even more seamless. These updates bring new features and improvements to your experience across all major platforms:
- Device and app actions: Simplify device management with a variety of integrated actions unique to supported solutions.
- Support for Windows 365 Frontline Cloud PCs: Enjoy extended compatibility for specialized use cases.
- In-app feedback: Windows 365 and Azure Virtual Desktop users can easily provide feedback within the app.
- Account switcher for Microsoft Entra ID: iOS and macOS users can take advantage of easy account switching when using a Microsoft Entra account.
- Relayed Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) Shortpath: Experience improved connectivity and performance for remote sessions.