CVE-2026-11188 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE • 06/05/2026
Use after free in USB in Google Chrome on Android prior to 149.0.7827.53 allowed a remote attacker to potentially perform a sandbox escape via a crafted HTML page. (Chromium security severity: Medium)
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/05/2026
This vulnerability represents a critical use-after-free condition within the USB handling components of Google Chrome on Android platforms prior to version 149.0.7827.53. The flaw occurs when the browser processes USB-related operations within the context of a web page, specifically when handling crafted HTML content that triggers improper memory management during USB device enumeration or communication sequences. The underlying technical issue stems from the browser's failure to properly validate or manage memory references after USB objects have been freed, creating a scenario where malicious code could potentially exploit this race condition to execute arbitrary code outside the intended sandbox boundaries.
The vulnerability operates through a sophisticated attack vector that leverages the browser's USB permission model and its interaction with the underlying Android operating system. When a malicious web page attempts to access USB devices through the browser's USB API, the improper memory handling allows an attacker to manipulate freed memory structures and potentially redirect execution flow. This represents a classic use-after-free vulnerability that can be classified under CWE-416, specifically addressing the reuse of memory after it has been freed. The exploitation requires the victim to visit a malicious website that contains crafted HTML elements designed to trigger the vulnerable code path during USB device enumeration or communication.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation as it enables potential sandbox escape mechanisms that could allow attackers to bypass the browser's security model. The Medium Chromium security severity classification reflects the sophisticated nature of the exploit required, as it necessitates user interaction through visiting a malicious webpage and leveraging specific memory corruption patterns that are not trivial to achieve. Attackers could potentially gain access to sensitive data, perform unauthorized USB device operations, or escalate privileges to access system resources that should remain isolated within the browser's sandboxed environment. This vulnerability directly impacts the principle of least privilege and could enable attackers to perform actions that would normally be restricted to the browser's trusted execution environment.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate patching of affected Chrome versions to ensure users are protected against exploitation attempts. Organizations should implement network-level controls to block access to known malicious domains and deploy browser security extensions that can detect and prevent suspicious USB API usage patterns. The recommended approach includes maintaining updated browser versions, implementing web application firewalls that can identify and block malicious HTML content, and establishing user awareness programs to prevent visits to untrusted websites. Additionally, system administrators should consider implementing security monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous USB device access patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability underscores the importance of proper memory management in browser components and highlights the need for continuous security auditing of complex APIs that interface with operating system resources. This type of vulnerability also demonstrates the ongoing challenges in maintaining secure browser sandboxes when dealing with privileged system APIs like USB device access, requiring careful consideration of memory lifecycle management and access controls in web browser implementations.