As reported by Google’s Project Zero, certain Exynos modems are susceptible to remote attacks with almost no user interaction. In short, if an attacker were to have your phone number, they could theoretically carry out an attack on your device without any input from the user.
Since this vulnerability requires certain 5G features to be turned on, the best way to ensure that a device is not vulnerable is to disable these features entirely. At the time of writing, Google has pushed a fix through the March 2023 security patch. Unfortunately, this patch has only made its way to the Pixel 7 and 7 Pro, leaving the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro still vulnerable.
As for Samsung devices, the Galaxy S22 is just one model out of many Samsung devices that have the same vulnerability.
How to turn off Wi-Fi calling and VoLTE
On your device, there are two settings you need to turn off until a patch is installed. The first is something most people are familiar with – Wi-Fi calling. The other is called VoLTE (Voice over LTE) and it allows a similar function and enables calls using LTE networks. Instead of limiting LTE networks to simple data, operators allow users to make calls over LTE, which has been common since 4G was rolled out. With VoLTE, calls sound clearer and just generally better.
Pixel 6
- On your Pixel, go to settings.
- Press on Network and Internet.
- Find and press Calls & SMS.
- Below Wi-Fi callingmake sure each SIM card is disabled.
Galaxy S22
- On your S22, go to settings.
- Press on Connections.
- Turn off Wi-Fi calling.
- Press on Mobile network and look for VoLTE calls. Turn it of.
The presence of VoLTE settings depends entirely on the carrier you use and whether your phone is unlocked or not. If the setting is missing, there’s probably nothing you can do to turn it off. To be sure, you can always search the settings menu for “VoLTE” and see if an option appears. On the Pixel 6, VoLTE cannot be disabled as it appears that software updates in 2021 automatically enabled VoLTE and removed the switch.
As long as Wi-FI calling is turned off and VoLTE is disabled – if possible – your device should be more protected against the Exynos vulnerability. It’s reasonable to believe that Google will release quick security patches to address the issue in the coming days.
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