The Indian government alerts Android users and Google Chrome to high-risk concerns.

Indian Government Issues High-Risk Warning for Android Users and Google Chrome

Written by: Supriya Kadu

Edited by: Omkar Devadkar

Last Updated: October 16, 2024

Summary: CERT-In sends alerts to Android users and Google Chrome of serious risks that could result in hacking and cyberattacks.

The Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) has alerted Android and Google Chrome users to stay aware of potential risks. These users have security threats that can expose the information of millions to hacking and cyberattack.

Numerous issues have been found, all of which involve the Android OS and Google Chrome system components. To control the affected systems, all of them can be linked. Attackers can execute malicious code because the vulnerabilities are classified as high-risk.

The issues impact several Chrome and Android versions, putting millions of devices at risk. If you install harmful apps or visit illegal websites, these flaws can enable hackers access to your smartphone or allow them to steal data.

If successful, these cybercriminals can remove sensitive information from the system, allowing them to lock customers out of their computers or install dangerous malware on it.

The alerts state that Google Chrome displays vulnerabilities like Type Confusion, Integer Overflow, and improper V8 JavaScript engine implementation. These flaws can be used to assess visitors to a certain illicit website, giving these hackers access to far more dangerous information. As of now, Chrome versions for Windows, Mac, and Linux are vulnerable.

Android components, including Framework, Systemamp, MediaTek, and Qualcomm subcomponents, were impacted by flaws. Taking advantage of these, an attacker can get more authority, which might compromise personal information or prevent users from accessing devices.

The affected versions are:

Any version older of Google Chrome than 129.0.6668.100 for Windows and Mac and 129.0.6668.89 for Linux is affected.

Android versions 12, 12L, 13, 14, and 15 are at risk.

To keep safe, CERT-In recommends all users upgrade their devices. Users should make sure they are running the most recent version of Chrome since Google has provided updates. By visiting the "About" area in Chrome settings, you may see if there are any changes.

Google is also making security fixes available to Android users. It is recommended that users often check their device settings for system updates and install them as soon as they are made available.