CVE-2026-106349 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE • 10/07/2026
Use after free in V8 in Google Chrome prior to 155.0.8059.39 allowed a remote attacker to execute arbitrary code inside the sandbox via a crafted HTML page. (Chromium security severity: High)
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/07/2026
The vulnerability identified as a use-after-free condition within the V8 JavaScript engine, which powers Google Chrome prior to version 155.0.8059.39, represents a critical memory safety flaw that enables arbitrary code execution under specific conditions. This type of error occurs when a program continues to use a pointer after it has been freed from memory, leading to undefined behavior that can be exploited by malicious actors. In the context of V8, this typically involves JavaScript objects or internal structures where references are not properly invalidated upon deallocation, allowing an attacker to manipulate heap contents through carefully crafted inputs. The severity is classified as high due to the potential for full sandbox escape and remote code execution, which compromises the integrity of the user's system.
From a technical perspective, use-after-free vulnerabilities arise when memory management logic fails to synchronize reference counting or pointer invalidation with object lifecycle events. An attacker can exploit this by creating a scenario where an object is freed while still referenced elsewhere in the application state. By controlling the data that occupies the now-freed memory region through subsequent allocations, the attacker can influence how V8 interprets and executes code derived from these corrupted structures. This manipulation allows for precise control over execution flow, potentially leading to arbitrary read or write primitives within the browser's process space. Such capabilities are foundational for more complex attacks, including sandbox escapes that break out of Chrome’s restricted environment into the host operating system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe, as it permits a remote attacker to execute arbitrary code inside the sandbox via a crafted HTML page. This means that simply visiting a malicious website or loading an embedded resource containing exploit code could trigger the flaw without any user interaction beyond normal browsing activities. The ability to execute code within the browser’s context allows attackers to steal sensitive data, install malware, or pivot further into internal networks if the compromised machine is part of one. Given Chrome's widespread usage and its role as a primary gateway for internet access, this vulnerability poses a significant risk to both individual users and enterprise environments relying on secure web browsing practices.
Mitigation strategies primarily involve updating Google Chrome to version 155.0.8059.39 or later, where the underlying memory management issues in V8 have been addressed through improved pointer handling and stricter validation checks during object lifecycle transitions. For organizations unable to immediately patch all endpoints, implementing network-level controls such as web filtering proxies can help block access to known malicious domains hosting exploit kits. Additionally, enabling Chrome’s built-in sandboxing features ensures that even if exploitation occurs, the potential damage is contained within a restricted environment rather than affecting the entire system. Regular security audits and code reviews focusing on memory safety in C++ components like V8 are also recommended to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being introduced in future releases.
This vulnerability aligns with Common Weakness Enumeration (CWE) identifier CWE-416, which describes use after free errors resulting from improper management of dynamically allocated memory. In terms of the MITRE ATT&CK framework, this exploit technique falls under Tactic Execution and Technique Command and Scripting Interpreter, specifically leveraging browser-based vectors to achieve initial access and subsequent privilege escalation within constrained environments. Understanding these mappings helps security teams prioritize remediation efforts based on established industry standards for vulnerability classification and attack pattern recognition.