Google today launched the Chrome 118 stable version update. This update fixes 20 security vulnerabilities and brings some new features and changes. The most severe of these vulnerabilities could allow for arbitrary code execution. This makes it important for users to update their browsers as soon as possible. The latest updates for this browser on different systems are as follows
- Chrome for Mac and Linux: 118.0.5993.70
- Chrome for Windows: 118.0.5993.70 and 118.0.5993.71
- Chrome Extended for Mac: 118.0.5993.70
- Chrome Extended for Windows: 118.0.5993.71
- Chrome for Android: 118.0.5993.65
Vulnerabilities
Among the security vulnerabilities repaired this time, the most noteworthy vulnerability tracking number is CVE-2023-5218. This exists in Site Isolation and is a use after free vulnerability. The other publicly disclosed vulnerabilities are “medium risk” and “low risk”. “danger” level.
The biggest highlight of Chrome 118 is its support for Encrypted Client Hello. When users open websites and services in the browser, domain names are protected from being leaked to network operators. Therefore, it improves privacy because network operators such as ISPs no longer know which websites users visit.
Another security feature is enabling Enhanced Safe Browsing in Chrome. This remotely disables extensions that are not installed from the Chrome Web Store. Another enhanced Safe Browsing change improves deep scan functionality. Chrome 118 users may now be prompted to provide a password for archived files to allow Safe Browsing to analyze them.
Gizchina News of the week
Here are some of the key features and updates in Chrome 118:
Safe Browsing Protection Level
In Chrome 118, some users will see new text describing the Safe Browsing protection level on both the Security Settings page and the Privacy Guide. The update clarifies the Enhanced Protection level by adding a table and linking to a help centre article where users can learn more. The new table helps users understand the trade-offs when selecting that option versus choosing the other options. The descriptions for Standard Protection, No Protection, and the password compromise warnings toggle have been simplified to make the options clearer.
Security Vulnerabilities
Chrome 118 includes fixes for 20 security vulnerabilities, including several that could allow for arbitrary code execution. One of these vulnerabilities was being actively exploited in the wild, making it especially important for users to update their browsers. The severity of these vulnerabilities underscores the importance of keeping browsers up to date with the latest security patches.
Other Updates
In addition to security fixes, Chrome 118 includes several other updates and enhancements. For example, some users will see minor updates to the red Safe Browsing interstitials, including a new danger icon that replaces the previous warning icon. There are also updates to the Memory Saver feature, which automatically hibernates inactive tabs on desktops. Other updates are behind-the-scenes things that users have to enable explicitly via flags.
Overall, this update includes important security fixes and updates that users should install as soon as possible. By keeping their browsers up to date, users can help protect themselves against the latest security threats and vulnerabilities.
