Google has released Chrome version 151 to the stable channel, addressing a total of 370 security vulnerabilities. This update includes patches for several critical issues, enhancing the browser’s safety and reliability.
Critical Vulnerabilities Addressed
The new update targets seven bugs of critical severity, notably including four use-after-free vulnerabilities found in various components such as Compositing, Views, Skia, and Ozone. Additionally, it resolves two critical flaws related to insufficient validation of untrusted input in Dawn and ANGLE, as well as a critical race condition in the Updater.
Among the 71 high-severity defects fixed by Chrome 151, numerous use-after-free vulnerabilities impact components like Navigation, V8, Loader, and more. Other significant high-severity issues addressed include inappropriate implementation and insufficient policy enforcement.
Comprehensive Security Enhancements
Beyond the critical and high-severity patches, the update also fixes 170 medium-severity and 122 low-severity vulnerabilities. Notably, 30 of these resolved issues affect ANGLE, the open-source WebGL backend responsible for Chrome’s graphics rendering.
Google credited its internal team for identifying 349 of these vulnerabilities, while external researchers reported 21 issues. The company has compensated these researchers with $58,500 in bug bounty rewards, with additional amounts for 13 unresolved cases yet to be disclosed.
Ongoing Commitment to Security
With this latest wave of updates, Google has addressed over 1,800 vulnerabilities in Chrome since the start of the year. The new version, 151.0.7922.71/.72, is now available for Windows and macOS, while Linux users receive version 151.0.7922.71.
This proactive approach highlights Google’s commitment to enhancing browser security and protecting user data. As cyber threats evolve, staying updated with the latest software versions remains crucial for users seeking to safeguard their digital environments.
