A critical security vulnerability is threatening millions of users of popular web browsers including Google Chrome, Apple Safari, and Microsoft Edge. Security researchers have uncovered a sophisticated exploit that allows attackers to hijack sessions and steal sensitive data directly from affected browsers. The flaw, actively exploited in the wild, bypasses traditional defenses and targets core rendering engines shared across these platforms.
This vulnerability stems from a zero-day flaw in the WebKit and Chromium rendering engines, which power Safari and large portions of Chrome and Edge respectively. Attackers can craft malicious web pages that trigger the bug when visited, leading to remote code execution without user interaction. Cybersecurity firm Glasgowlive reports that the issue has already impacted over 2.5 billion devices worldwide, urging immediate patching.Early indicators show campaigns originating from state-sponsored actors aiming at high-value targets like journalists and activists.
Browser vendors have responded swiftly with emergency updates. Google rolled out Chrome 131.0.6778.100 for Windows, Mac, and Linux, while Apple pushed Safari 18.2 via macOS and iOS updates. Microsoft Edge users should navigate to Settings > Help and Feedback > About Microsoft Edge for auto-updates. Failing to apply these patches leaves systems exposed to drive-by downloads and persistent malware infections. Experts recommend enabling automatic updates and avoiding suspicious links during this period.
The incident highlights ongoing risks in browser monoculture, where Chromium-based browsers dominate 80% of the market. Chrome alone commands 66% of global web traffic, amplifying the blast radius of such flaws. Privacy advocates note that while features like sandboxing mitigate some damage, shared codebases create systemic weaknesses.Users of older versions, especially on enterprise networks, face heightened threats from phishing sites mimicking legitimate updates.
To stay safe, reboot devices post-update, clear browser caches, and deploy endpoint detection tools. Security firms advise scanning for indicators of compromise, such as unusual network activity. This incident underscores the need for diversified browser usage and vigilant patch management in 2026’s threat landscape. As cyber threats evolve, proactive updates remain the first line of defense for billions online.
This article has been indexed from CySecurity News – Latest Information Security and Hacking Incidents
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