Google has released an emergency security update to fix a serious Chrome zero-day vulnerability, and attackers are already exploiting it in real-world situations. The flaw, tracked as CVE-2026-2441, affects the browser’s CSS processing system. Independent researcher Shaheen Fazim discovered and reported the issue on February 11, 2026.
As a result, Google announced the bug alongside its latest Stable channel update and strongly recommended that users install the patch right away.
What the Vulnerability Does
Unpatched Chrome versions remain vulnerable to remote code execution. In simple terms, a malicious website could silently run harmful code on a user’s computer.
This issue belongs to the use-after-free category. Essentially, the software tries to access memory after releasing it. Because of this mistake, attackers can manipulate memory behavior and potentially take control of the device. Moreover, such flaws usually appear when the browser rendering engine mishandles object lifecycle processes.
Active Exploitation Confirmed
Security researchers have confirmed active exploitation of CVE-2026-2441. Furthermore, attackers may combine this flaw with other techniques to bypass Chrome’s sandbox protection. Consequently, they could gain elevated system privileges on Windows, macOS, and Linux devices.
However, Google has temporarily restricted technical details. The company follows this policy so users can update first before criminals learn the full exploitation method.
Patched Versions You Need
Google fixed one high-severity vulnerability in this release.
CVE Information
| CVE ID | Severity | Description |
| CVE-2026-2441 | High (TBD) | Use-after-free flaw in CSS handling |
Updated Chrome Builds
| Platform | Version |
| Windows | 145.0.7632.75 / 145.0.7632.76 |
| macOS | 145.0.7632.75 / 145.0.7632.76 |
| Linux | 144.0.7559.75 |
Therefore, users should update Chrome immediately using the built-in updater or enterprise tools.
What Users Should Do Now
The update rollout will occur gradually over the next few days and weeks. Although Chrome updates automatically, users should still manually check, especially on office systems and shared computers.
You should:
- First, open Chrome settings and check for updates
- Then, restart the browser after installation
- Also, avoid unknown or suspicious websites
- Finally, update extensions and operating systems
Why This Matters
Browsers have become a major target for cyberattacks. In addition, attackers increasingly use phishing pages and compromised websites to distribute exploits. Even though no public indicators of compromise exist yet, the risk remains significant.
Overall, keeping Chrome updated is the most effective protection. Therefore, installing the patch quickly will greatly reduce the chances of infection and data theft.