You need to update Google Chrome right now: Here's why
If you have been using Google Chrome lately, better update it right away. A group of researchers working for the internet giant has flagged a pair of critical vulnerabilities in the browser. The issues, they say, pose a major threat to PC security and one of them is even being exploited. Here's all you need to know about it.
Two critical vulnerabilities discovered in Chrome
A few days ago, Google shared a blog post detailing two vulnerabilities in Chrome - CVE-2019-13721 and CVE-2019-13720. The company cited both as 'high-risk' issues but denied sharing additional details to prevent any cases of attacks. However, it did note that a zero-day exploit for one of the vulnerabilities in question has already been spotted in the wild.
Here's what Google said about the bugs
"Access to bug details and links may be kept restricted until a majority of users are updated with a fix," Google said in a blog post, adding that they are "aware of reports that an exploit for CVE-2019-13720 exists in the wild."
So, how hackers can harm you by exploiting these vulnerabilities?
The issues in question have been described as "use-after-free" flaws that, as per Mashable, may employ previously used memory (after it's freed) and give hackers a chance to execute malicious code. This could then be used to "take control of an affected system," the US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency said in a warning related to the issues.
Fix now available to download
That being said, the fix for the issue has now been released and is available for download. Google has announced that the security fix will roll out automatically to all Chrome users in the coming days. But if you want immediate protection, it is recommended to download the update manually. To download, open the browser's menu bar and hit the "About Google Chrome" option.
