ZDNet reports that Mozilla and Google released urgent patches this week to fix more than 200 security flaws combined across their popular web platforms. Users need to install the latest browser security update immediately because many of the bugs allow hackers to run malicious code or bypass protected sandbox areas.
Key takeaways
- Firefox 159 patches 167 security flaws, most of which are of high severity.
- The new version of Chrome resolves 52 flaws, four of which are critical.
- Firefox also can now monitor a website and alert you to any changes.
How does the new Firefox 159 protect your device?
Mozilla pushed out Firefox 159 for Windows, Android, MacOS, and Linux with fixes for 167 security bugs. Almost 100 of these are use-after-free vulnerabilities, which stem from memory management flaws that attackers can exploit to crash the browser or trigger malicious code. Several bugs also target the browser Sandbox, allowing hackers to break through protected zones.
Beyond security patches, the release adds handy features. Mac users can now view a built-in share picker with page previews and direct app access. The sidebar now houses a passwords tool for checking saved website credentials, while an AI-powered Smart Window can watch specific web pages and send notifications when content changes.
What threats does the Chrome browser face?
Google addressed 52 security bugs in version 56.0.8078.73/.74 for Windows and Mac, alongside version 156.0.8078.73 for Linux. Four of these issues are rated critical due to memory corruption problems, while 46 are rated high. Attackers could exploit these vulnerabilities to bypass the Sandbox area or crash the software using similar memory management issues found in Firefox.
Why it matters
Both Mozilla and Google are relying more heavily on artificial intelligence to find and resolve these security vulnerabilities. Mozilla credited Amy Burnett from OpenAI for uncovering many bugs, while Google attributed several discoveries to Anthropic's Claude and OpenAI. Because hackers actively target these memory management flaws, users must update their software right away by navigating to the help menu inside each application.
Frequently asked questions
Firefox 159 patches 167 security flaws, with 108 rated as high severity and the rest considered moderate or low.
The latest Chrome update resolves 52 security bugs, out of which four are rated critical and 46 are rated high.
Open Firefox, click the three-line icon at the upper right, move to Help and Report, and select About Firefox to install the update.
It is a memory management flaw that an attacker could exploit to crash the browser or trigger malicious code.
Firefox Smart Window can now watch specific web pages for changes and send you a notification when the page is updated.
Based on reporting by ZDNet. Read the original article
