The Cyber Security Council of the UAE has issued an urgent security alert on October 3, 2023, concerning a critical security vulnerability in Google Chrome, a widely-used web browser. The alert warns that this vulnerability has already been exploited and could potentially result in application crashes or the execution of arbitrary code, posing a significant security risk to users.
Details of the Security Alert: In the alert shared on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), the authority highlights the following key points:
- An urgent security vulnerability, identified as CVE-2023-5217, has been detected in Google Chrome.
- This vulnerability allows attackers to exploit the VP8 video codec’s encoding, potentially leading to the installation of spyware or the execution of remote code.
- Google has released a critical security update in version 117.0.5938.132 of Chrome to address this vulnerability.
Recommended Actions: The Cyber Security Council advises residents and users in the UAE to take the following actions:
- Install Security Updates: It is crucial for users to promptly install the recently released security updates from Google to protect their devices and data.
- Share Information: Users are encouraged to share this important security information with their companies and business partners to ensure that all stakeholders are aware of the potential risks and necessary actions.
Addressing Multiple Issues: The latest Google Chrome update not only addresses the CVE-2023-5217 vulnerability but also covers a range of other security issues, including:
- Information exposure
- Remote code execution
- Privilege escalation
- Security bypass
- Denial of Service
Platform Availability: The newest security update for Google Chrome is available for the following platforms:
- Linux
- Microsoft
- MacOS
Ongoing Security Vigilance: The Cyber Security Council of the UAE has consistently issued alerts to residents regarding various security concerns related to devices and applications. Last month, an alert was issued concerning security vulnerabilities in certain Apple devices, highlighting the importance of ongoing security vigilance in the digital age.
تنبيه هام 🚨 رصد ثغرة أمنية طارئة في متصفح #جوجل_كروم، تم استغلالها بالفعل، حيث يمكن أن تؤدي إلى انهيار التطبيقات أو تنفيذ الأكواد بشكل قصري. ننصح في مجلس الأمن السيبراني بتحديث المتصفح الخاص بكم لضمان الحماية الكاملة.
— Cyber Security Council (@cscgovae) October 3, 2023
Important Alert 🚨: An urgent security vulnerability has… pic.twitter.com/1PeIYa9Khn
The UAE Cyber Security Council emphasizes the critical need for Google Chrome users to promptly update their browsers to the latest version to mitigate the security risks posed by the detected vulnerability. It underscores the importance of staying informed and taking proactive measures to protect digital assets and data.