CVE-2026-106279 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE • 10/06/2026
Incorrect reference resolution in Passwords in Google Chrome on on iOS prior to 155.0.8059.39 allowed a local attacker who had compromised the renderer process to potentially execute arbitrary code outside the sandbox via a local program. (Chromium security severity: Medium)
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/07/2026
The vulnerability identified in Google Chrome for iOS, specifically prior to version 155.0.8059.39, represents a critical failure in reference resolution mechanisms within the application's password management subsystem. This flaw is categorized under CWE-20: Improper Input Validation and more specifically aligns with CWE-476: NULL Pointer Dereference or similar memory corruption issues depending on the exact implementation details of how references were handled during credential retrieval operations. The core technical issue stems from an incorrect handling of object references when accessing stored password data, which allows for a breakdown in the expected state transitions within the application's internal logic. When the renderer process attempts to resolve these references, particularly under specific edge cases involving malformed or unexpected input states, the system fails to properly validate the integrity and existence of the targeted memory locations or objects before proceeding with execution.
This architectural weakness creates a pathway for privilege escalation from a confined environment to a broader system context. The attacker's entry point is defined by having already compromised the renderer process, which typically operates within a strict sandbox designed to limit its access to sensitive resources such as file systems, network interfaces, and other processes. Under normal circumstances, this sandbox isolation prevents any malicious code executed within the browser tab from affecting the host operating system or accessing user credentials stored outside of that specific context. However, due to the incorrect reference resolution in the password handling module, an attacker can manipulate these references to bypass the intended security boundaries. By exploiting this flaw, a local attacker who has achieved control over the renderer process can trigger code execution paths that are not subject to the same sandbox restrictions, effectively escaping the browser's protective isolation layer.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe because it undermines one of the primary defense-in-depth strategies employed by modern web browsers: process isolation and sandboxing. If an attacker successfully exploits this flaw, they can execute arbitrary code outside the sandbox with the privileges of the Chrome application itself. This level of access allows for a wide range of malicious activities, including but not limited to stealing sensitive user data such as saved passwords, credit card information, and authentication tokens stored in keychains or secure storage areas accessible by the app. Furthermore, it enables the installation of persistent malware on the iOS device, surveillance capabilities through camera or microphone access if permissions were previously granted, and potential lateral movement within a network environment if the compromised browser is used to connect to corporate resources. The severity rating of Medium from Chromium reflects that while exploitation requires prior compromise of the renderer process, the resulting impact significantly escalates the threat level by breaking out of containment.
Mitigation strategies primarily involve immediate software updates to address the underlying code defects in reference handling and input validation routines. Users must upgrade Google Chrome for iOS to version 155.0.8059.39 or later, where these specific flaws have been patched through rigorous code review and automated testing procedures designed to catch improper memory access patterns. In addition to updating the browser, security best practices dictate that users should enable multi-factor authentication on all accounts accessed via the device to reduce the value of stolen credentials even if a breach occurs. It is also advisable to utilize iOS-level security features such as App Privacy Report and permission management to monitor which applications are accessing sensitive data stores. For enterprise environments, implementing Mobile Device Management policies can ensure that only approved versions of critical applications like Chrome are installed on company-owned devices, thereby reducing the attack surface associated with outdated software vulnerabilities. Continuous monitoring for anomalous behavior in renderer processes and employing content security policies where applicable further hardens the environment against exploitation attempts targeting similar reference resolution weaknesses.