Google Supercharges Chrome Bug Bounty Program Offering Massive Rewards for Security Researchers

In a bold move to strengthen its flagship browser's security, Google has dramatically increased its payouts for discovering vulnerabilities in Chrome. The tech giant is now offering up to $250,000 for researchers who uncover critical flaws, with even higher rewards possible under certain conditions.

Big Money for Big Discoveries

The top rewards are reserved for the most serious security issues—specifically, memory corruption bugs in non-sandboxed processes. If a researcher can demonstrate remote code execution (RCE) with a functional exploit, Google is prepared to pay the quarter-million-dollar bounty. This figure can climb even higher if the proof-of-concept (PoC) code achieves RCE without compromising the renderer, showcasing Google's commitment to rewarding innovative research.

Reward Tiers for Vulnerability Reporting

Google's updated reward structure covers a wide range of vulnerabilities, with the payout amount depending on the severity and complexity of the issue:

• Up to $250,000: For RCE in non-sandboxed processes, with additional rewards for PoC code that avoids renderer compromise.
• Up to $90,000: For controlled write vulnerabilities in non-sandboxed processes.
• Up to $85,000: For RCE in highly-privileged processes.
• Up to $55,000: For RCE in sandboxed processes.
• Up to $35,000: For memory corruption vulnerabilities.
• Up to $30,000: For high-quality reports on client-side flaws leading to cross-site scripting (XSS) or site isolation bypasses.
• Up to $250,128: For vulnerabilities bypassing Chrome’s MiraclePtr technology, a crucial defense against use-after-free exploits.

Encouraging Deep Research

The significant increase in rewards is designed to incentivize deeper research into Chrome's security mechanisms. By offering higher payouts, Google hopes to uncover vulnerabilities that might otherwise go unnoticed, ensuring a safer browsing experience for its vast user base. The company emphasizes that rewards will be determined based on the quality, impact, and potential harm of the reported issue.

A Golden Opportunity for Security Experts

Google’s latest update to its Vulnerability Reward Program (VRP) marks a significant opportunity for security researchers to make a meaningful impact while earning substantial rewards. By targeting the most critical vulnerabilities, researchers can contribute to the ongoing security of one of the world's most popular browsers, all while being handsomely compensated for their expertise.

For those with the skills to find and exploit these vulnerabilities, Google's new bounty program offers not just financial incentives but also the chance to play a pivotal role in safeguarding the digital ecosystem.