Google patches Chrome ahead of Pwn2Own challenge

Google has issued a patch bundle for its Chrome browser, fixing 19 vulnerabilities ahead of the Pwn2Own hacking contest held later this month.

None of the fixes are rated as critical, with 16 major flaws and three medium, in browser version number 9.0.597.107. The patches fix several issues with table rendering, two problems for WebGL and one case of accidental exposure of internal extension functions.

Google paid out $14,000 to vulnerability researchers as a reward for reporting bugs. The top earners of the patch release were Sergey Glazunov and Martin Barbella, who earned $3,000 each.

“Congratulations to the diverse range of researchers featuring in this patch,” said the Chrome blog.

“We’re pleased to announce that the Chromium Security Rewards program has now crossed $100,000 of rewards.”

Google will be looking for the strongest browser possible, since it has offered a $20,000 reward for anyone who can crack Chrome at this month’s Pwn2Own hacking contest, held at the CanSecWest security conference in Vancouver.

Last year it was the only browser to withstand attacks for the first day of the contest and in 2009 Chrome remained unbroken, unlike Internet Explorer, Firefox and Safari.