Google has released an unscheduled security update for Chrome Desktop to address the CVE-2026-2441 vulnerability, which is related to a use-after-free bug in the browser's CSS component. This vulnerability is considered highly dangerous.

The Chrome Desktop update is being rolled out this week, and users are strongly advised to install it as soon as possible. According to the release note dated February 13, an exploit for CVE-2026-2441 is already being used in real-world attacks.

The CVE-2026-2441 vulnerability affects not only Chrome but also other browsers that use the same engine. The stable Opera update from February 14 and the latest minor update for Vivaldi 7.8 also mention that this vulnerability has been fixed, with a note about the existence of an exploit.

The NIST National Vulnerability Database describes CVE-2026-2441 as a use-after-free error in Chrome's CSS processing, which allows a remote attacker to execute arbitrary code within the browser sandbox via a specially crafted HTML page.

According to the Chrome Releases publication, information about the vulnerability was received on February 11, 2026, and access to details may be restricted until most users have updated, which is standard practice for actively exploited vulnerabilities.

Chrome Desktop Stable has been updated to version 145.0.7632.75/76 for Windows and macOS, and to 144.0.7559.75 for Linux. The update will be distributed over the next few days or weeks.

In the stable Opera update from February 14, 2026, CVE-2026-2441 is listed among the important security fixes for version 127.0.5778.64. In the minor update for Vivaldi Desktop Browser 7.8, the browser has been updated to Chromium 144 ESR (144.0.7559.175), and the fix for CVE-2026-2441 is also included.

To check the update status in Chrome, it is recommended to open the "About" section and make sure the fixed version is installed, then restart the browser. Since the update is being rolled out gradually, different devices may have different versions until the rollout is complete.

For Opera and Vivaldi, it is similarly recommended to check the built-in update section or the "About" page to ensure the versions listed above or newer are installed, and then restart the browser to load the updated code.