Google patches five flaws with Chrome update

Google has issued the Chrome 10.0.648.204 update to repair five vulnerabilities in the browser.

Each of the flaws is rated by Google as a 'High' security risk, the third of Google's four severity risk levels generally reserved for data disclosure, privilege escalation and code execution flaws that are limited to the browser's sandbox.

All of the vulnerabilities were credited to outside researchers. Google issued cash rewards ranging from $500 to $2,000 for the vulnerability reports. In total, the company is paying out $8,500 to researchers with this update.

Google has long prided itself on the security of the Chrome browser. The company openly credits and pays out rewards to researchers who disclose vulnerabilities. Earlier this month, the browser survived the Pwn2Own hacking contest despite the offer of a $20,000 cash reward from Google.

The updates come in the aftermath of a data breach which affected browser security in a big way. Chrome was among the browsers to be patched in response to the release of fake security certificates in connection to an attack on security vendor Comodo.

The update also comes as many users are looking to update their web browsers. Earlier this week Mozilla released Firefox 4, setting off a flood of user downloads for the update.