August security patch for Nexus devices rolling out, factory images and OTAs now available

Several leaks over the weekend suggested that the Android Security Bulletin would be released on August 5th this month. While the patch date may be set to this Friday, the Nexus factory images and OTAs are already rolling out. Like in July, there are two sets of security bugs as part of the August security bulletin.

There are 14 bugs in the security patch dated 2016-08-01 and 28 dated 2016-08-05. According to Google, the two security patch level strings provide “Android partners with the flexibility to move more quickly to fix a subset of vulnerabilities that are similar across all Android devices.” Nexus devices will receive the latter patch date, with all but one vulnerability affecting Nexus.

Both pairs of vulnerability listings rank in severity from critical to moderate. The most severe vulnerability could enable remote code execution when browsing or using email and MMS. As always, Google notes that there are no reports of customers affected by these issues.

It usually takes about a week for the update to start rolling out. Those who don’t want to wait can download the factory images below or sideload the OTA:

• Pixel C Factory Image | Pixel C OTA
• Nexus 6P Factory Image | Nexus 6P OTA
• Nexus 5X Factory Image | Nexus 5X OTA
• Nexus 6 Factory Image (2) | Nexus 6 OTA (2)
• Nexus Player Factory Image | Nexus Player OTA
• Nexus 9 (LTE) Factory Image | Nexus 9 (LTE) OTA
• Nexus 9 (Wi-Fi) Factory Image | Nexus 9 OTA
• Nexus 5 Factory Image | Nexus 5 OTA
• Nexus 7 2013 (Wi-Fi) Factory Image | Nexus 7 2013 OTA
• Nexus 7 2013 (Mobile) Factory Image (2) | Nexus 7 2013 (Mobile) OTA (2)

If you need help flashing factory images, check out our guide here. Keep in mind that flashing your device will wipe any data on it. This is not worth the hassle for most users, so waiting or sideloading the OTA is usually the wiser option.