CVE-2026-11189 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE • 06/05/2026
Insufficient validation of untrusted input in DevTools in Google Chrome prior to 149.0.7827.53 allowed an attacker who convinced a user to install a malicious extension to bypass navigation restrictions via a crafted Chrome Extension. (Chromium security severity: Medium)
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/05/2026
This vulnerability represents a critical flaw in Google Chrome's DevTools implementation that enabled attackers to circumvent navigation restrictions through malicious extensions. The issue stemmed from inadequate input validation mechanisms within the DevTools framework that failed to properly sanitize or verify untrusted data from third-party extensions. When a user installed a crafted malicious extension, the vulnerability allowed attackers to manipulate the browser's navigation behavior and potentially redirect users to malicious websites or execute unauthorized actions. The flaw specifically affected Chrome versions prior to 149.0.7827.53, indicating that the vulnerability had existed for an extended period without proper mitigation. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE category of CWE-20, which describes improper input validation, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190 for exploitation of vulnerabilities in development tools. The security implications extend beyond simple navigation bypass, as it could enable more sophisticated attacks such as credential theft, data exfiltration, or further privilege escalation within the browser environment. The medium severity classification reflects the requirement for user interaction through extension installation, but the potential impact remains significant given that DevTools are powerful administrative interfaces that can manipulate browser behavior at a fundamental level.
The technical execution of this attack vector relies on the malicious extension's ability to leverage DevTools' privileged access capabilities. When Chrome's DevTools process handles extension data, it fails to properly validate the integrity and legitimacy of navigation commands passed through the extension interface. This creates an attack surface where untrusted input from a compromised extension can directly influence core browser navigation functions. The vulnerability essentially allows an attacker to craft extension manifests and code that can override normal browser security boundaries, particularly those related to URL navigation and resource loading. This bypass mechanism operates at the browser's core infrastructure level, making it particularly dangerous as it can evade traditional security controls that typically protect against malicious URLs or navigation attempts. The flaw demonstrates a fundamental breakdown in Chrome's security model for handling extension permissions and DevTools interactions, where the privileged nature of DevTools is not properly isolated from potentially malicious extension code.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple navigation restrictions, as it fundamentally undermines the security boundaries that protect users from malicious actors. Users who install malicious extensions become potential victims of navigation-based attacks that can redirect them to phishing sites, download malware, or execute unauthorized transactions. The attack requires only user consent for extension installation, making it particularly effective in social engineering campaigns where users might be tricked into installing seemingly legitimate extensions that contain hidden malicious functionality. This vulnerability creates a pathway for attackers to establish persistent access to user browsing sessions, potentially enabling long-term surveillance or data harvesting operations. The implications are especially severe in enterprise environments where users might inadvertently install compromised extensions through corporate extension stores or through social engineering attacks targeting multiple users simultaneously.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both the immediate security gap and broader extension management practices. Chrome users should immediately update to version 149.0.7827.53 or later where the vulnerability has been patched. Organizations should implement strict extension approval processes and regularly audit installed extensions for suspicious behavior. Browser administrators should consider implementing additional security controls such as extension whitelisting policies and monitoring for unusual navigation patterns. The patch likely addresses the input validation issues by implementing stricter sanitization of extension-provided navigation commands and enhancing the security boundaries between DevTools and extension interfaces. Security teams should also monitor for potential exploitation attempts through network traffic analysis, looking for unusual navigation patterns or attempts to access restricted resources. Additional defensive measures include implementing browser security extensions that can detect and block suspicious extension behavior, as well as regular security training for users to recognize and avoid potentially malicious extension installations. Organizations should also consider implementing zero-trust principles for browser security, where all extensions are treated as untrusted until proven secure through automated analysis and continuous monitoring.