Google Releases Critical Fix for Chrome 81 Security Bug – Update Now
Chrome Google has released Chrome version 81.0.4044.113. The US Department of Homeland Security Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) issued an alert urging Google Chrome users to update to Chrome version 81.0.4044.113. CISA encourages Chrome users and administrators to review the release notes from Google and take the security patch.
The necessary updates will roll out over the coming days or weeks accodring to Google.
Chrome released Chrome version 81.0.4044.113 to fix security vulnerability Critical CVE-2020-6457. This update applies to all Windows, Mac, and Linux desktop installations. The update addresses a vulnerability that could allow an attacker to take control of an affected system. There are no other details about the exploit yet except that the critical security vulnerability relates to a “use after free” issue with the speech recognition component of Chrome.
The U.S. government’s National Vulnerability Database lists this bug as CVE-2020-6457 in the database of Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures. It is labeled “reserved” with no other details – which is common for critical vulnerabilities that are not yet patched. The details of it are not yet populated.
The update is rolling out and when a sufficient percentage of machines have been patched, Google should release more details about the security vulnerability.
Chrome users do not have to wait for the update. To force your browser to take an update. Remember this update is only for desktop version of Chrome.
- Open Chrome on laptop or desktop computer
- Tap the three vertical dots menu
- Select Help
- Select About Google Chrome
- Look for your version number
When I checked my version on a laptop, I had Version 80.0.3987.163 (Official Build) (64-bit). You need version 81.0.4044.113 to be safe. The window contained instructions on how to force the update right away. You only need to close the browser to complete the security fix to protect yourself from CVE-2020-6457
