Google Patches Critical Vulnerabilities in Chrome – Update Now!

Google has taken swift action to address four potentially dangerous vulnerabilities in its Chrome browser. The recently released security updates – versions 124.0.6367.78/.79 for Windows and Mac and 124.0.6367.78 for Linux – are essential for protecting user data and system security. Users of the Extended Stable channel have also received these updates.

Critical Flaw Could Lead to Code Execution

The most severe vulnerability, designated CVE-2024-4058, is classified as “critical.” This flaw resides within ANGLE, a component of Chrome that translates graphics commands. If successfully exploited, it could allow attackers to execute arbitrary code on a victim’s machine, potentially leading to data theft, malware installation, or further system compromise.

Other Vulnerabilities Also Addressed

Two other “high” severity vulnerabilities were also patched in this release:

• CVE-2024-4059: An out-of-bounds read vulnerability in Chrome’s V8 JavaScript engine could potentially lead to the disclosure of sensitive information.
• CVE-2024-4060: A use-after-free vulnerability in Dawn (Chrome’s WebGPU implementation) could be exploited for malicious purposes.

No Active Exploits – Yet

While Google hasn’t observed any active attacks leveraging these vulnerabilities, security experts often advise swift patching. Cybercriminals frequently reverse-engineer security updates to discover unpatched vulnerabilities, making it a race against time.

Protecting Yourself: The Importance of Updates

Updating your Chrome browser is the best line of defense. Follow these steps:

1. Open Chrome.
2. In the top-right corner, click the three dots.
3. Select “Help” then “About Google Chrome.”
4. Updates will install automatically if available.