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.
FAQs
With 303 vulnerabilities and a cumulative total of 3,159 vulnerabilities as of 2022, a new report said that Google Chrome is the most vulnerable browser available. According to a report by Atlas VPN, these figures are based on data from the VulDB vulnerability database, covering January 1, 2022 to October 5, 2022.
Is Google Chrome the most unsafe browser? ›
Story highlights. A report suggests that Google Chrome is the most unsafe web browser in 2022. According to a report by Atlas VPN, the cross-platform browser apparently has more than 300 vulnerabilities. In comparison to Chrome, Mozilla Firefox has 117, Microsoft Edge has 103, Safari has 26 and basically none for Opera ...
What is the unsafe site warning on Chrome? ›
Get warnings about unsafe sites
Phishing and malware detection is turned on by default in Chrome. When you encounter phishing, malware, unwanted software, or social engineering sites, you may get a red warning that says "Dangerous site." If you see this warning, we recommend that you don't visit the site.
Why is Chrome saying everything is unsafe? ›
When a website with a secure connection is accessed, the URL starts with “HTTPS” regardless of your browser. This indicates an encrypted connection. For the HTTPS to appear, it's necessary to use an SSL Certificate. So, if the website doesn't have this certificate, the “HTTPS Not Secure” Message in Chrome will appear.
How to check if a website is safe in Google Chrome? ›
When a site may be unsafe, Chrome changes the icon next to the site address.
- In Chrome, open a web page.
- To check a site's security, to the left of the web address, check the security status symbol: Default (Secure) Info or Not secure. ...
- To find a summary of the site's privacy details and permissions, click the icon.
Secure by default
Advanced technologies, such as site isolation, sandboxing, and predictive phishing protections, keep you and your data safe.
Is there a safer browser than Chrome? ›
When it comes to privacy and security features, Firefox offers everything Chrome does — plus more. Mozilla's Enhanced Tracking Protection (ETP) blocks intrusive trackers (e.g., cookies, fingerprints, and cryptomining scripts) by default.
How do I make sure my Chrome is safe? ›
Potentially harmful extensions: To improve your security, Safety Check can warn you of extensions that might pose security risks.
- On your computer, open Chrome.
- At the top right, click More. Settings.
- On the left, select Privacy and security.
- Under “Safety Check,” select Go to Safety Check.
- If Chrome finds any issues:
These notifications typically tell the user that they have a virus and that they need to run a scan for viruses. Quite often, these alerts have mimicked the branding of well-known antivirus software regardless of whether or not the user has installed it on their device.
Does Chrome have a serious security vulnerability? ›
The Chrome team at Google has confirmed that 24 security vulnerabilities, including five with a concerning high rating, have been found to impact users of the world's most popular web browser. That's all for users, regardless of the platform upon which it is running unless you are using an iPhone that is.
You might have unwanted software or malware installed on your computer if you experience:
- Pop-up ads and new tabs that won't go away.
- Your Chrome homepage or search engine keeps changing without your permission.
- Unwanted Chrome extensions or toolbars keep coming back.
You may get a warning if the site you try to visit is unsafe. These sites are often called phishing or malware sites.
What happens if you visit an unsecure website? ›
The warning generated by the browser clearly indicates the risk to which the user is exposed while visiting an unsecured website. It is related to the lack of confidentiality, privacy and integrity of the data sent to the site, causing a high probability of loss, leakage or theft.
What is the phishing warning on Google Chrome? ›
Chrome is part of a program called Safe Browsing that warns users before they visit a site suspected of containing malware, being hacked, or engaging in phishing or other bad behavior. If you get a warning, open the Manual Actions report and Security Issues report for your site in Search Console and look for warnings.
What is the best website safety checker? ›
The Google Website Safety Checker showcases an organized dashboard with various sections, such as “Issues list” and “Affected pages by category,” providing a detailed analysis of site performance and security. This includes the number of critical issues, warnings, and opportunities for improvement.
What is the deceptive site ahead warning on Chrome? ›
If Google detects that your website contains social engineering content, the Chrome browser may display a "Deceptive site ahead" warning when visitors view your site.
What is the No 1 safe browser? ›
Google Chrome is a very intuitive internet browser. It is relatively easy to use and secure. Additionally, Google Chrome comes with built-in transparency protection.
Is Chrome not a safe browser? ›
With a staggering 2.65 billion global users, Google Chrome is by far the most popular web browser. However, with the search engine amassing a total of 303 vulnerabilities in 2022, a recent report reveals that it might be the least secure, too.
What is the most vulnerable browser? ›
Google Chrome is the only browser with new vulnerabilities in the five days in October. Recent ones include CVE-2022-3318, CVE-2022-3314, CVE-2022-3311, CVE-2022-3309, and CVE-2022-3307. The CVE programme tracks security flaws and vulnerabilities across multiple platforms.
What is the least safe browser? ›
According to a study done by researchers at Trinity College, Yandex and Edge are the two worst browsers for security. The study also found that Edge sends users' hardware ID, IP address, and location to back-end servers which over time can reveal your identity.
