As per a new report by Atlas VPN, with 303 vulnerabilities and a cumulative total of 3,159 vulnerabilities as of 2022, Google Chrome has become the most vulnerable browser available.
The report by Atlas VPN has stated that these figures are based on data from the VulDB vulnerability database, covering January 1, 2022 to October 5, 2022.
As per the report, Google Chrome is the only browser with new vulnerabilities in the five days in October. Recent ones are CVE-202203318, CVE-2022-3314, CVE-2022-3311, CVE-2022-3309 and CVE-2022-3307.
The CVE programme tracks security flaws and vulnerabilities across multiple platforms. The database does not list details for these flaws, but the report said they can lead to memory corruption on a computer.
Users can fix these by updating to Google Chrome version 106.0.5249.61. Reportedly, Mozilla’s Firefox browser is in second place for vulnerabilities with 117 of them.
Microsoft Edge was reported to have 103 vulnerabilities as of October 5, with 61% more than the entire year of 2021. Overall, it had 806 vulnerabilities since its release.
Talking about Safari, it has some of the lowest levels of vulnerabilities in comparison with others. In the first three quarters of 2022, it witnessed 26 vulnerabilities and its number of cumulative vulnerabilities were 1,139 since its release, the report said.
Notably, the Opera browser had no documented vulnerabilities so far in 2022 and only 344 total vulnerabilities.
As of May 2022, Safari has witnessed over a billion users and Apple has been working hard to make sure its browser is secure and safe to use.
To recall, National cyber agency CERT-In had issued a high severity warning for Google Chrome users. In its latest advisory, the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team said that some Google Chrome versions on desktop were affected by multiple vulnerabilities. These vulnerabilities could be exploited by a remote attacker to bypass security restriction, execute arbitrary code or cause denial or service conditions on the targeted system.
As per CERT-In, Google Chrome versions prior to 106.0.5249.61 for Mac/linux and 106.0.5249.61/62 for Windows were impacted. The advisory dated September 30, 2022 was marked with high severity ranking.
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Published: 08 Oct 2022, 12:18 PM IST
I'm a seasoned cybersecurity professional with extensive expertise in the field of web browser security, vulnerability assessment, and threat intelligence. My knowledge spans a wide range of topics, including the intricacies of browser vulnerabilities, exploit techniques, and the significance of maintaining a secure online environment.
The recent report by Atlas VPN highlights a concerning trend in the security landscape, focusing on Google Chrome as the most vulnerable browser, with a cumulative total of 3,159 vulnerabilities as of 2022. These figures are derived from the VulDB vulnerability database, a reputable source known for comprehensive coverage and accuracy in tracking security flaws.
The Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) program mentioned in the article plays a crucial role in identifying and cataloging security flaws across various platforms. The CVE identifiers mentioned, such as CVE-202203318, CVE-2022-3314, CVE-2022-3311, CVE-2022-3309, and CVE-2022-3307, are indicative of specific vulnerabilities affecting Google Chrome. The report suggests that these vulnerabilities can result in memory corruption on a computer, underlining the potential severity of the issues.
It's noteworthy that the report recommends users update to Google Chrome version 106.0.5249.61 to address these vulnerabilities. This underscores the importance of timely software updates in mitigating security risks and staying protected.
The comparative analysis of other browsers in the report provides valuable insights. Mozilla's Firefox, Microsoft Edge, Safari, and Opera are discussed in terms of vulnerabilities and their respective positions in the security landscape. While Safari exhibits lower vulnerability levels, Google Chrome's dominance in vulnerabilities raises concerns for users' online safety.
The advisory from CERT-In, the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team, adds an additional layer of concern, emphasizing the real-world impact of these vulnerabilities. The warning specifically mentions versions of Google Chrome prior to 106.0.5249.61 for Mac/Linux and 106.0.5249.61/62 for Windows as being affected, reinforcing the critical need for users to stay informed and update their browsers promptly.
As the cybersecurity landscape evolves, it's crucial for users to remain vigilant, adopt best practices, and prioritize security measures to safeguard their online activities.
