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Chrome zero-day CVE-2026-2441 actively exploited — patch now

Google shipped Chrome 145 to fix CVE-2026-2441, a high-severity use-after-free in CSS that’s already being exploited in the wild. The bug can enable arbitrary code execution within the renderer sandbox via a malicious page and could be chained with other flaws for full compromise. Admins should push the update across all platforms and ensure browsers are restarted to complete the fix.

Source: SecurityWeek


Microsoft warns of “ClickFix” attacks abusing DNS lookups to stage malware

Microsoft detailed a new variant of the ClickFix social-engineering tactic that tricks users into running nslookup commands, which then retrieve next-stage payloads via DNS. The campaign ultimately drops ModeloRAT and uses DNS traffic to sidestep common web filters. Mitigate by restricting command execution, monitoring anomalous DNS queries, and training users to avoid copy-pasting terminal commands from prompts.

Source: SecurityWeek


Lazarus Group ties seen in malicious npm and PyPI packages spread via fake recruiting

Researchers at ReversingLabs found malicious packages on npm and PyPI connected to a fake job recruitment campaign attributed to North Korea–linked Lazarus Group. The packages target developers, triggering code execution at install/build time to plant malware. Teams should audit recent dependency changes, lock versions with integrity checks, and consider mirroring only vetted registries.

Source: Security Affairs


ChatGPT adds Lockdown Mode to blunt prompt injection and data exfiltration

OpenAI introduced Lockdown Mode and Elevated Risk labels in ChatGPT to reduce prompt-injection risks, especially when using external tools or integrations. Lockdown Mode constrains tool and network access to prevent prompt-based data exfiltration. Organizations integrating ChatGPT with third-party systems should evaluate and enable these controls for high-risk workflows.

Source: Help Net Security


Android 17 beta lands with upgraded privacy, security, and performance

Google released the first Android 17 beta and aims to reach Platform Stability in March, with final APIs and behavior definitions following soon after. Developers will have months before the stable release to adapt to permission, background behavior, and media/connectivity changes. Begin compatibility testing now to avoid breakage and regressions.

Source: Help Net Security


New ZeroDayRAT mobile spyware enables real-time surveillance on Android and iOS

Researchers described ZeroDayRAT, a turnkey spyware platform marketed on Telegram that supports real-time monitoring and data theft across Android and iOS. The offering illustrates the maturation of commercialized mobile espionage kits available to a wide buyer base. High-risk users and enterprises should harden device policies, scrutinize app permissions, and consider mobile threat defense solutions.

Source: The Hacker News


DoJ: Former L3Harris cyber exec sold eight zero-day exploit kits to Russia

The US Justice Department alleges a former general manager of L3Harris’s cyber unit Trenchant sold eight zero-day exploit kits to Russia. The case underscores the risks in the offensive tooling market and potential violations of export controls and sanctions. Expect tighter scrutiny on vulnerability brokering and increased due diligence demands across supply chains.

Source: The Register


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Cybersecurity — February 16, 2026 | Briefing24