NTIDA Raises Alarm Over Cyber Risks With Google Chrome Browser

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has issued a warning to Nigerians over a cyber-security threat it has identified in the Google Chrome browser.

The Agency disclosed this via its official X handle on Tuesday.

According to it, it was Google that uncovered the security vulnerability it has now tagged, ‘CVE-2024-79’.

The Agency reveal that cyberterrorists are now targetting online users through this flaw.

It goes further to disclose that a compromised system could be overriden by these terrorists.

“This vulnerability is classified as a type confusion flaw in Chrome’s V8 JavaScript engine, related to how Chrome handles JavaScript files, which could allow attackers to run harmful programs on devices that haven’t been updated.

“The vulnerability enables attackers to potentially take full control of affected systems by exploiting memory corruption caused by the misinterpretation of data types.

“This could allow attackers to bypass security protocols and measures, execute malicious code, and even cause system crashes.

“The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be triggered simply by visiting a malicious website,” the agency disclosed.

The Agency has adviced Google Chrome users to check these breaches through regular updates of the browser.

“The recommended versions are 128.0.6613.84/.85 for Windows and macOS, and 128.0.6613.84 for Linux.

“Users can check for updates by navigating to the Chrome menu, selecting “Help,” and then clicking on “About Google Chrome” to apply any available updates.

“Users of Chromium-based browsers, such as Microsoft Edge, Brave, Opera, and Vivaldi, are also urged to apply the necessary updates as soon as they become available,” it advised.