Google Chrome Vulnerability: Here

Google Chrome Vulnerability: Here's How to Fix It

Google has discovered a Zero-Day Vulnerability [CVE-2019-5786] that is being exploited by bad actors. If you are a Chrome user, you are at risk. Make sure your browser has been updated to the latest patched version [72.0.3626.121], which fixes the vulnerability.

Google has discovered a Zero-Day Vulnerability [CVE-2019-5786] that is being exploited by bad actors. If you are a Chrome user, you are at risk. Make sure your browser has been updated to the latest patched version [72.0.3626.121], which fixes the vulnerability.

Google posted an update last week addressing security vulnerability that hackers were exploiting in the wild. “Google is aware of reports that an exploit for CVE-2019-5786 exists in the wild,” the report read.

Justin Schuh, Google Chrome's security lead and engineering director, warned users to immediately update Chrome browser after the critical bug was discovered. “Also, seriously, update your Chrome installs... like right this minute. #PSA,” Schuch tweeted.

The vulnerability, which affects the browser in Windows, Mac, and Linux, was reported by Clement Lecigne of Google’s Threat Analysis Group on February 27.

What are zero-day vulnerabilities?

A zero-day or 0day vulnerability is a bug or flaw in a code that has been discovered and disclosed but not yet patched. You can also call them unknown vulnerabilities, because they aren’t discovered by software vendors until the software has already been released.

Once a bug is discovered, software vendors have a very limited time (zero days) in which they need to fix the issue. Until they release a patch, it is considered a “zero day” vulnerability. If there is exploit code available for that vulnerability, it’s a “zero day” exploit, with “zero” referring to the number of days since a patch has been available to the public.

Why it is important to update your browser?

Google Chrome 72.0.3626.121 addresses CVE-2019-5786, a Use-After-Free (UAF) vulnerability in FileReader, an application programming interface (API) included in browsers to allow web applications to read the contents of files stored on a user’s computer.

How to update your Chrome browser

To patch this vulnerability, you just need to update your chrome browser by following these quick steps:

  1. Open your browser and type, chrome://settings/help
  2. Click Relaunch

After relaunch, Google will show you the updated version which is 72.0.3626.121

How to stay safe from future vulnerabilities

In the world of cyber criminals, you can’t be 100 percent safe. However, there are still some actions you can take immediately if the same thing happens in future with any software.

  1. Keep software and security patches up to date by downloading the latest software releases and updates.
  2. Keep your system up-to-date.
  3. Establish safe and effective personal online security habits.
  4. Configure security settings for your operating system.
  5. Install a proactive and comprehensive security software to help block known and unknown threats to vulnerabilities.

About the Author

Susan Alexandra is a small business owner, traveler and investor of cryptocurrencies.

Featured

New Products

  • Compact IP Video Intercom

    Viking’s X-205 Series of intercoms provide HD IP video and two-way voice communication - all wrapped up in an attractive compact chassis.

  • Luma x20

    Luma x20

    Snap One has announced its popular Luma x20 family of surveillance products now offers even greater security and privacy for home and business owners across the globe by giving them full control over integrators’ system access to view live and recorded video. According to Snap One Product Manager Derek Webb, the new “customer handoff” feature provides enhanced user control after initial installation, allowing the owners to have total privacy while also making it easy to reinstate integrator access when maintenance or assistance is required. This new feature is now available to all Luma x20 users globally. “The Luma x20 family of surveillance solutions provides excellent image and audio capture, and with the new customer handoff feature, it now offers absolute privacy for camera feeds and recordings,” Webb said. “With notifications and integrator access controlled through the powerful OvrC remote system management platform, it’s easy for integrators to give their clients full control of their footage and then to get temporary access from the client for any troubleshooting needs.”

  • Camden CM-221 Series Switches

    Camden CM-221 Series Switches

    Camden Door Controls is pleased to announce that, in response to soaring customer demand, it has expanded its range of ValueWave™ no-touch switches to include a narrow (slimline) version with manual override. This override button is designed to provide additional assurance that the request to exit switch will open a door, even if the no-touch sensor fails to operate. This new slimline switch also features a heavy gauge stainless steel faceplate, a red/green illuminated light ring, and is IP65 rated, making it ideal for indoor or outdoor use as part of an automatic door or access control system. ValueWave™ no-touch switches are designed for easy installation and trouble-free service in high traffic applications. In addition to this narrow version, the CM-221 & CM-222 Series switches are available in a range of other models with single and double gang heavy-gauge stainless steel faceplates and include illuminated light rings.