Google has rolled out Chrome version 148.0.7778.96/97 for Windows and macOS, along with 148.0.7778.96 for Linux, resolving over 100 security weaknesses. The company reports that no active exploitation of these issues has been observed in real-world scenarios.
The built-in 'What's New?' section highlights the syncing of tab groups across devices as a fresh addition, even though this functionality debuted in Chrome 147.
Looking ahead, Chrome plans to introduce vertical tab organization as an alternative to the standard horizontal layout. Additionally, the reading mode will expand to occupy the full browser window, moving beyond the current half-screen split view. These enhancements, initially slated for an April launch, remain unavailable to many users at present.
In the official Chrome Releases blog, Srinivas Sista details the patching of 127 security flaws, a figure exceeding double the count from Chrome 147. Advanced artificial intelligence tools probably contributed substantially to identifying this surge in issues. Internal teams at Google uncovered 100 of them, with the rest flagged by outside security experts.
Among these, three stand out as critical: CVE-2026-7896 involves an integer overflow within the Blink rendering engine for HTML, whereas CVE-2026-7897 and CVE-2026-7898 represent use-after-free errors in the Mobile and Chromoting (Chrome Remote Desktop) modules.
Thirty-one vulnerabilities carry a high severity rating, with over fifty percent classified as use-after-free types. The other issues break down into 66 of medium severity and 27 of low severity. To date, Google has disbursed $138,000 in rewards to those who identified these problems.
Typically, Chrome performs automatic updates upon release availability. Users can trigger a manual verification through the Help menu's About Google Chrome option or via Settings leading to About Chrome.
This week saw the launch of Chrome for Android at version 148.0.7778.120, following last week's iOS update to 148.0.7778.100. The Android edition tackles the identical security concerns as its desktop counterparts. The Extended Stable distribution for Windows and macOS now features version 148.0.7778.97.
Anticipation builds for Chrome 149's debut in the first part of June.
Recommendation: Maintaining current browser versions is essential, but robust antivirus solutions are vital for overall PC safety and privacy. Explore selections for top Windows antivirus programs and leading VPN options to counter emerging threats.
This piece first appeared in our affiliate outlet PC-WELT, adapted and translated from its German origins.
Frank Ziemann, a freelance contributor to PC-WELT since 2005, specializes in news and reviews covering IT security topics like malware, antivirus measures, and vulnerabilities, as well as broader internet technologies.