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CERT-In Warns: Google Chrome Vulnerabilities May Let Hackers Gain System Access

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CERT-In Alerts Users to Critical Google Chrome Security Vulnerabilities

The Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) has issued an advisory warning users about multiple security flaws identified in Google Chrome for Desktop. These vulnerabilities, if exploited, could expose users to significant cyber threats. The national cybersecurity agency urged all users and organisations to immediately update to the latest version of Google Chrome across Windows, macOS, and Linux platforms to ensure protection. According to the advisory, users running outdated versions of the browser are at heightened risk.

In its vulnerability note, CIVN-2025-0099, published on May 16, CERT-In detailed the nature and severity of the issues, assigning them a “high” severity rating. The affected versions include Chrome for Desktop prior to version 136.0.7103.113 for Mac and Linux, and 136.0.7103.114 for Windows systems. These flaws could potentially be exploited by attackers to execute unauthorized actions on a user’s system.

Among the vulnerabilities, CVE-2025-4664 involves insufficient policy enforcement in Chrome’s Loader component, which could allow attackers to leak cross-origin data through a specially crafted HTML page. Another flaw, CVE-2025-4609, relates to the improper handling of operations within Mojo, Chrome’s inter-process communication system. Exploiting these weaknesses would typically require the attacker to trick users into visiting a malicious website, making social engineering a key part of the attack strategy.

Google acknowledged the issues and released security patches on May 14 to address four identified flaws. The company credited two independent security researchers for uncovering the vulnerabilities, as noted in CERT-In’s advisory. Users are strongly advised to update their browsers without delay, as continued use of unpatched versions could leave systems exposed to malicious exploitation.

Android 17 Expected to Introduce Desktop Mode on Pixel Devices, Featuring Enhanced Multitasking

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Google has been working on a dedicated desktop mode for Android devices for several years, aiming to bring a more seamless desktop experience to smartphones and tablets. This feature, known as Android Desktop Mode, was initially expected to launch alongside Android 16. However, recent leaks suggest that its debut may now be pushed back to Android 17, giving Google additional time to refine the user interface and overall experience.

According to tipster Mishaal Rahman, Android Desktop Mode will allow users to connect their Pixel phones to external displays, such as laptops or monitors, via USB Type-C. Once connected, the phone could switch to a desktop-style interface, similar to Samsung DeX or Motorola Connect. This mode is expected to support multitasking with resizable and movable windows, making it easier for users to work across multiple apps simultaneously, mimicking a traditional computer setup.

The upcoming desktop mode will likely include essential desktop-like features such as an app management system, a taskbar, and intuitive navigation elements to enhance usability. A developer option to “Enable desktop experience features” was even spotted in the Android 16 beta, hinting that Google has been testing the groundwork for this functionality. However, despite these early signs, the feature’s broader rollout seems to be delayed as Google focuses on polishing the interface.

By targeting Android 17 for the official release, Google hopes to deliver a more polished and fully functional desktop mode experience, especially on its next-generation Pixel phones. If successful, this could transform how users interact with their mobile devices, offering a flexible environment that bridges the gap between mobile convenience and desktop productivity.

Google One Surpasses 150 Million Subscribers Fueled by AI Enhancements

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Alphabet’s Google One subscription service recently hit a major milestone, surpassing 150 million subscribers worldwide. This marks a significant growth of 50% since February 2024, when the service had just reached 100 million users. Google One offers cloud storage along with a suite of artificial intelligence-powered features that appeal to consumers looking for enhanced capabilities beyond simple file storage.

In February 2024, Google introduced a premium $19.99 per month plan that includes advanced AI tools unavailable to free users or those on lower-priced tiers. This new AI-focused subscription tier has already attracted millions of subscribers, highlighting the increasing demand for AI-powered services. While Google continues to offer more affordable storage-only plans, it is clear that the AI features are a key driver of recent growth in Google One’s user base.

Google One is a strategic part of Alphabet’s broader plan to diversify its revenue streams beyond advertising, which currently accounts for over 75% of the company’s annual revenue. With the rise of AI technologies and shifting user behaviors, Alphabet is investing heavily in subscription services like Google One to build more sustainable and varied sources of income in the future.

This growth in subscriptions comes amid increasing competition in the AI space, including the rise of AI chatbots like OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Google’s own Gemini. These technologies are reshaping how people search and interact online, challenging Alphabet’s dominance in the search engine market. For instance, Apple’s Safari browser recently experienced a drop in search volumes for the first time ever, as Apple prepares to launch AI-powered search features, signaling a new front in the ongoing competition between tech giants.