Google released Chrome 120 security updates in December 2023, including fixes for multiple high-severity vulnerabilities. One later fix addressed CVE-2023-7024, a WebRTC flaw Google said was being exploited in the wild. Chrome 120 is now a historical release: check your browser’s installed version and apply the update currently offered for your device rather than trying to install Chrome 120.
What Google fixed in the Chrome 120 releases
Google promoted Chrome 120 to the stable channel for Windows, Mac, and Linux on December 5, 2023. The initial desktop builds were 120.0.6099.62 for Mac and Linux, and 120.0.6099.62/.63 for Windows. Google said availability would roll out over the following days and weeks, so the build might not have appeared for every user immediately. (Google Chrome Releases, December 5, 2023)
The December 5 release post listed 14 security fixes, including several Google rated High. Named examples included CVE-2023-6508, a use-after-free in Media Stream; CVE-2024-3173, insufficient data validation in Updater; and CVE-2023-6509, a use-after-free in Side Panel Search. These counts are fixes in Google’s release posts, not measurements of attacks, affected users, or risk reduction.
Google followed with two more desktop updates during December:
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| Release date | Desktop builds | Security fixes reported | Examples of high-severity issues |
|---|---|---|---|
| December 12, 2023 | 120.0.6099.109 for Mac/Linux; 120.0.6099.109/.110 for Windows | 9 | CVE-2023-6702, type confusion in V8; CVE-2023-6703, use-after-free in Blink; CVE-2023-6704, use-after-free in libavif; CVE-2023-6705, use-after-free in WebRTC; and CVE-2023-6706, use-after-free in FedCM. |
| December 20, 2023 | 120.0.6099.129 for Mac/Linux; 120.0.6099.129/.130 for Windows | 1 | CVE-2023-7024, a heap buffer overflow in WebRTC. |
For CVE-2023-7024, Google stated: “Google is aware that an exploit for CVE-2023-7024 exists in the wild.” Google credited the report to Clément Lecigne and Vlad Stolyarov of its Threat Analysis Group, dated December 19, 2023. The advisory does not provide a basis here for claims about exploit mechanics or the number of people affected. (Google Chrome Releases, December 12 and 20, 2023)
Google cautioned that access to vulnerability details and links could remain restricted until most users had updated, or longer if a third-party library also needed a fix. A lack of public technical detail should not be read as evidence that a listed issue was minor.
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Is Chrome 120 still safe to use?
Chrome 120 should not be treated as the version to install today. Its December 2023 release record explains what was patched then; it does not establish the latest stable version now. Security support and available updates change over time, so use Chrome’s About page or your platform’s normal update channel to check what is offered for your device.
Google’s December archive also lists Chrome 120.0.6099.193 for Android on December 20 and says Android releases contain corresponding desktop security fixes unless noted otherwise. Its iOS entries describe stability and performance improvements; they do not establish that iOS received the same desktop CVE fixes. (Google Chrome Releases, December 2023 archive)
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- FAST & CONVENIENT LOGIN: Plug in your Security Key NFC via USB-A and tap it, or tap it against your phone (NFC) to authenticate. No batteries, no internet connection, and no extra fees required.
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How to check for and install Chrome updates
On a computer, Chrome normally updates in the background when you close and reopen the browser. To check manually, use Google’s current update workflow:
- Open Chrome.
- Select More (the three-dot menu) > Help > About Google Chrome.
- Review the version shown and let Chrome check for updates.
- If Chrome offers an update, select Relaunch to finish installing it. Save your work first; Chrome will reopen the windows and tabs it can restore.
The About page displays the installed version and checks for updates. The exact current stable build is not specified by Google’s general help instructions, so rely on the version and update offered on your own device. (Google Chrome Help: Update Google Chrome)
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Windows and Mac
Use More > Help > About Google Chrome and relaunch when prompted. On Windows, Google advises closing all Chrome windows and tabs, then relaunching Chrome to apply an update. On Mac, if Chrome is installed in the Applications folder, you can enable automatic updates for all users of the computer.
Linux
Update Chrome through your Linux distribution’s package manager. The exact steps depend on the distribution and package source.
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One-click scans. No signup required.
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- PRIMARY & SPARE KEYS: Just like having a spare house key, we recommend buying two YubiKeys - one for daily use and one as a spare. That way you’ll never get locked out of your accounts
Chromebook
Update ChromeOS through the Chromebook’s system update settings; Chrome is updated as part of ChromeOS.
Android
Open Google Play’s app update list, find Chrome, and tap Update if an update is available.
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