Google’s security research team has discovered serious problems with Samsung modems installed in Project Zero, Google Pixel 6, Pixel 7, Samsung Galaxy S22, Galaxy A53, Vivo smartphones and other devices. The list also includes wearable devices and cars.

Various Exynos modems have a number of vulnerabilities that could allow an attacker to remotely jailbreak a smartphone without user interaction, all with the need for a mobile phone number.

Researchers provide a list of devices that may be susceptible to hacking:

• Samsung Galaxy S22, M33, M13, M12, A71, A53, A33, A21, A13, A12 and A04.
• Vivo S16, S15, S6, X70, X60 and X30.
• Any wearable device using the Exynos W920 chipset
• All cars using Exynos Auto T5123 chipset

To hack the device, you have to use one of the vulnerable Samsung modems. Many Galaxy S22 smartphones sold outside of Europe and some African countries have a Qualcomm SoC and also use a Qualcomm modem and should therefore be immune to these issues. But Exynos SoC-based phones are under threat, including the popular Galaxy A53 and European S22.

Project Zero found a total of 18 vulnerabilities, including four critical vulnerabilities that allow remote code execution in modems. Project Zero said you can protect yourself by turning off Wi-Fi calling and LTE audio. Google says the March security update for Pixels should fix the issue, but 9to5Google states it’s not yet available for the Pixel 6, 6 Pro and 6a.