The Indian Computer Emergency Response Team or CERT-In has issued a high severity rating for Google Chrome users in the country. The warning is particularly for users on Google Chrome version prior to 123.0.6312.58 for Linux, and v123.0.6312.58/.59 for Windows and Mac.
As per CERT-In, multiple vulnerabilities were found in the browser, and if exploited, it could allow a bad actor to remotely take access to the system like make your computer stop working, access private information, or break through security measures.
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The vulnerabilities can “allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause a Denial of Service (DoS) condition, obtain sensitive information and bypass security restrictions on the targeted system”, the CERT-In vulnerability note reads.
The security flaw, according to CERT-In, has been caused due to “Object lifecycle issue in V8; out of bounds read in Swiftshader; Use after free in Canas; Incorrect security UI in iOS and Inappropriate implementation in Downloads & iOS”. This essentially means that the vulnerability happened because there were mistakes in how some parts of the software were programmed. These mistakes led to issues like reading data where it shouldn’t, using parts of the software after they were supposed to be free, showing wrong security information on iOS, and not doing things right in Downloads & iOS.
“A remote attacker could exploit these vulnerabilities by sending a specially crafted web page on the targeted system,” CERT-In warns.
There are a few things users can do to keep themselves safe from such vulnerabilities, especially browsers like Google Chrome, which is one of the most common choices for most users, and that’s why, also a common target for the bad actors. Users must make sure to update Google Chrome to the latest version available, specifically users who are on version prior to 123.0.6312.58 for Linux, and v123.0.6312.58/.59 for Windows and Mac. Software updates often include fixes for known vulnerabilities.
You should also always connect to secure and trusted networks when browsing the internet. Avoid using public or unsecured Wi-Fi networks, as they can increase the risk of attacks. Also avoid clicking on suspicious links or visiting unknown websites. Be mindful of phishing attempts that try to trick users into providing sensitive information.
Users should also enable Google Chrome’s built-in security features such as Safe Browsing, which helps protect against phishing, malware, and harmful websites.
