In a significant move to safeguard India’s digital ecosystem, the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) has issued high-severity cybersecurity advisories for Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge users. These warnings highlight multiple vulnerabilities capable of enabling remote code execution, data theft, and full system compromise if left unpatched. As cyberattacks continue to rise across Asia, this alert underscores the urgent need for Indian users to update browsers immediately to prevent potential exploitation. Below, we break down the vulnerabilities, technical risks, and the steps users must take to stay protected.
🧩 Google Chrome Vulnerabilities: How Attackers Exploit Them
CERT-In’s advisory reveals that recent versions of Google Chrome for Windows, macOS, and Linux contained multiple severe flaws that could be exploited remotely. These vulnerabilities are tied to Chrome’s Blink rendering engine and WebRTC components, which handle web page rendering and real-time communication features such as video or voice.
🔍 Key Issues Identified
- Heap Buffer Overflow in Visuals Component – This flaw allows attackers to write data outside of allocated memory, potentially leading to browser crashes or remote code execution.
- Type Confusion in V8 Engine – Chrome’s JavaScript engine can misinterpret object types, allowing hackers to execute arbitrary code with the same privileges as the user.
- Use-After-Free Vulnerability in Dawn – Improper memory handling could enable attackers to access previously freed memory areas, again leading to system hijacking or data leaks.
🧠 What This Means for Users
These vulnerabilities can be exploited simply by visiting a malicious or compromised website. An unsuspecting user doesn’t have to download anything; just loading a dangerous page could trigger an attack. In a corporate environment, one infected device could quickly spread malware through network shares, VPNs, and cloud-linked accounts.
🔄 Chrome’s Security Fix
Google has already patched these issues in Chrome version 130.0.6723.91 (and newer). Users can update manually by navigating to:
Settings → Help → About Google Chrome → Update
Once updated, Chrome automatically restarts to apply the patch. For maximum protection, enable automatic updates and periodically review browser extensions — many cyberattacks leverage malicious add-ons disguised as productivity tools.
🧱 Microsoft Edge Vulnerability: “Use After Free” in Safe Browsing
Microsoft Edge, built on the Chromium engine, shares similar architecture to Chrome. CERT-In’s second warning focuses on a critical “Use After Free” vulnerability in Edge’s Safe Browsing feature, responsible for detecting phishing and malware-infected sites.
⚙️ Technical Breakdown
A “Use After Free” bug occurs when a program continues to access memory after it has been freed or released. In browsers like Edge, this can allow remote attackers to:
- Inject and execute arbitrary code
- Escalate privileges within the system
- Trigger denial-of-service (DoS) attacks by causing crashes
- Install or run additional malware payloads
Attackers can exploit this flaw via malicious HTML pages, phishing emails, or embedded scripts. The danger lies in the fact that many users trust Safe Browsing, unaware that the feature itself could become a vector of attack when unpatched.
🧰 Microsoft’s Recommended Action
Microsoft has addressed this issue in Edge Stable Channel version 130.0.2849.56. To update:
Menu → Help and Feedback → About Microsoft Edge → Check for updates
After updating, restart the browser. Users are also encouraged to enable Microsoft Defender SmartScreen and disable extensions from unknown sources, both of which help block exploit chains.
🛡️ The Broader Cybersecurity Context in India
India’s digital population is now the world’s second largest, with over 850 million active internet users. This rapid growth has unfortunately made the country a prime target for cybercriminals. CERT-In’s timely alerts act as a defensive shield, helping citizens and enterprises stay ahead of evolving threats.
These browser vulnerabilities serve as a reminder that software security is a shared responsibility. While vendors like Google and Microsoft release frequent patches, user negligence in applying updates remains one of the biggest security risks.
To reinforce digital safety, MeitY and CERT-In continue to promote cyber hygiene awareness campaigns, advising users to:
- Keep browsers, OS, and security tools up to date
- Avoid downloading plugins or visiting unverified websites
- Use multi-factor authentication (MFA) and strong, unique passwords
- Regularly back up critical files and system data
🔒 Why Immediate Action Matters
Cybercriminals often weaponize publicly disclosed vulnerabilities within days — sometimes hours — of release. As India advances its Digital India mission and implements data protection reforms, the cost of a breach can extend beyond personal data loss to national security and economic stability.
Updating browsers is a simple yet powerful defense against these attacks. For individuals, it protects online banking, shopping, and communications. For businesses, it secures customer data, intellectual property, and reputation.
🚀 Conclusion
The latest CERT-In advisories for Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge highlight an undeniable truth: cybersecurity starts with proactive maintenance. In a landscape where digital threats evolve daily, one outdated browser can expose entire networks.
Take action now — update Chrome and Edge, enable auto-updates, and practice safe browsing habits. India’s cybersecurity strength depends not just on government vigilance, but on every user’s awareness and responsibility.
