Government Issues Critical Warning for Mac, Windows Chrome, and Chromebooks: What to Do Now
India’s cybersecurity agency, CERT-In, has issued an urgent warning for users of Google Chrome on Mac, Windows, and Chromebooks. The agency has identified several critical vulnerabilities in Chrome and ChromeOS that could allow hackers to steal sensitive data, execute malicious code, or destabilize systems. Immediate action is required to protect against these threats.
Chrome Warning for Mac Users
CERT-In identified two major vulnerabilities—CIVN-2025-0007 and CIVN-2025-0008—affecting Chrome versions earlier than 132.0.6834.83/8r on Mac. These vulnerabilities are rated critical and stem from:
- Out-of-bounds memory access.
- Insufficient data validation in extensions.
- Improper implementation in navigation.
Hackers could exploit these flaws to bypass security restrictions, execute arbitrary code, or cause denial of service (DoS) attacks.
Chrome Warning for Windows Users
Windows users face similar vulnerabilities in Chrome versions earlier than 132.0.6834.110/111. By exploiting these flaws, hackers can:
- Steal sensitive data.
- Crash systems.
- Gain unauthorized access through specially crafted requests.
These vulnerabilities present a major risk to both personal users and organizational systems.
ChromeOS Warning
CERT-In has also flagged ChromeOS, the operating system for Chromebooks, as vulnerable. Devices running versions prior to 16093.68.0 (browser version 132.0.6834.94) are at risk of:
- Remote code execution.
- Cross-site scripting.
- Spoofing attacks.
These issues result from stack buffer overflow, integer overflow, and out-of-bounds memory access. Hackers could exploit these flaws by using malicious webpages to bypass security or steal data.
Affected Devices
Desktops, laptops, and Chromebooks running outdated versions of Chrome or ChromeOS are the primary targets. While smartphone users face a lower risk, CERT-In advises vigilance across all platforms.
Also Read: Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090 GPU Benchmarks Reveal Up to 46% Performance Boost
Why You Must Act Now
Failing to address these vulnerabilities could result in:
- Data breaches.
- System crashes.
- Unauthorized access to sensitive information.
As hackers are actively exploiting these weaknesses, ignoring the warning could lead to severe consequences.
How to Protect Yourself
- Update Immediately: Upgrade Google Chrome and ChromeOS to the latest versions.
- Enable Automatic Updates: Regular updates ensure your device remains secure.
- Stay Informed: Follow the official Chrome Releases Blog for detailed update instructions.
Timely updates are essential to safeguarding your personal and professional data.