Google Chrome’s Latest Security Update Patches High-Severity Flaw Exploited by Hackers: Here’s What We Know
In a critical move to protect its billions of users, Google has released an urgent security update for its Chrome browser to patch a high-severity vulnerability that is being actively exploited by hackers. The company confirmed that a “zero-day” exploit for this flaw exists in the wild, meaning cybercriminals are already using it to launch attacks before a fix was available.
This development underscores the constant threats facing internet users and the critical importance of keeping your browser updated.
The Vulnerability: What is CVE-2026-2441?
The newly patched vulnerability is tracked as CVE-2026-2441 and carries a high CVSS score of 8.8, indicating its serious nature. At its core, it is a “use-after-free” bug in the CSS (Cascading Style Sheets) engine of Chrome.
Here’s a simple breakdown of the risk:
A remote attacker can create a specially crafted HTML page designed to exploit this flaw.
If a user simply visits this malicious webpage, the attacker can execute arbitrary code on their device.
This allows the hacker to take control of parts of the browser, potentially stealing data or installing malware, even though Chrome’s built-in “sandbox” protections are in place.
The description from the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) database confirms that this bug in Chrome versions prior to 145.0.7632.75 allowed such an attack.
Who Discovered the Threat?
Security researcher Shaheen Fazim discovered and responsibly reported this vulnerability on February 11, 2026. Google’s security team acted swiftly to develop and release a fix. The company has acknowledged that an exploit for this flaw exists but, in a typical security practice, has withheld specific details about the attacks, the perpetrators, or the targets to allow users time to update.
Which Chrome Versions Contain the Fix?
To protect yourself, you must update your browser to the latest patched version. The fix is available in the following versions:
Windows and macOS: Chrome version 145.0.7632.75 or 145.0.7632.76
Linux: Chrome version 144.0.7559.75
How to Update Your Google Chrome Browser Right Now
Updating Chrome is a quick and simple process. Follow this step-by-step guide to ensure you’re protected:
Open your Google Chrome browser.
Click on the three vertical dots (More menu) located in the top-right corner of the browser window.
Hover over “Help” in the dropdown menu.
Click on “About Google Chrome” .
Chrome will automatically check for updates and download the latest version. You’ll see a progress bar or status message.
Once the update is downloaded, click the “Relaunch” button that appears. This will restart your browser and apply the security patch.
Don’t wait for the browser to update itself automatically. Given that this is an actively exploited flaw, it is highly recommended to perform this manual check and update immediately.
A Warning for Users of Other Browsers
The risk isn’t limited to Google Chrome alone. Many other popular browsers are built on the same underlying technology, known as Chromium. This includes:
Microsoft Edge
Brave
Opera
Vivaldi
Users of these browsers are also strongly advised to check for and install any available updates as soon as possible, as they will be incorporating the same critical fix from Google.
The Broader Context: A Growing Trend in Cyber Attacks
This urgent update is part of a concerning pattern. Chrome has faced multiple actively exploited vulnerabilities over time. Browsers are a prime target for hackers because they are installed on virtually every computer and mobile device, offering a vast “attack surface.”
In a related development, Apple recently released updates to patch its own zero-day flaw (CVE-2026-20700) that was being used in targeted attacks against iPhones and other devices.
Conclusion: Update Now to Stay Safe
The discovery of CVE-2026-2441 is a stark reminder that online security is a constantly moving target. The simple act of opening a webpage should not put your data at risk. By taking a few minutes to update your Chrome browser or any Chromium-based browser you use, you are applying a critical security patch and protecting yourself from hackers who are actively exploiting this flaw.
