Osegi
Security·1 min read

Chrome Update Fixes Security Flaw Already Under Attack

Google has released a Chrome update that closes a vulnerability. The developers warn that the flaw is already being exploited in attacks, so users should update now.

The Google Chrome browser logo displayed on a laptop screen with a security warning theme.
Image: Security

Google has released a new update for its Chrome web browser that closes a security vulnerability. According to the developers, the flaw is already being actively exploited in attacks, which makes the patch more urgent than a routine maintenance release.

Why this update matters

When a browser vendor says a vulnerability is being attacked in the wild, it means attackers are already using the flaw against real targets. Browsers are a particularly attractive target because they process content from untrusted websites every day. Until the update is installed, an affected installation remains exposed.

The material available so far does not include further technical details, such as the exact nature of the flaw, its severity rating or who is behind the attacks. Google has also not spelled out in the information we have how widespread the attacks are. Details of this kind are often kept back at first so that more users can install the fix before attackers learn more about the weakness.

What users should do

Users of Chrome should make sure their browser is running the latest version. Chrome normally downloads updates automatically in the background, but the new version only takes effect once the browser has been restarted. Anyone who keeps Chrome open for days at a time should therefore restart it and check the version in the about section of the settings.

The same applies to people who manage Chrome on company computers: because exploitation has been reported, rolling out the update quickly is advisable. Further information on the vulnerability is expected to follow as Google and security researchers publish more details.

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Tags:googlechromesecurity updatevulnerabilityzero-day

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