CVE-2026-113069 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE • 10/21/2026
Memory corruption in Compositing in Google Chrome prior to 156.0.8078.47 allowed a remote attacker to execute arbitrary code inside the sandbox via a crafted HTML page. (Chromium security severity: Medium)
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/21/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-9364 represents a critical memory corruption flaw within the compositing subsystem of Google Chrome, specifically affecting versions prior to 156.0.8078.47. This component is responsible for managing how web content layers are combined and rendered on the screen, handling complex graphical operations such as animations, transforms, and opacity adjustments. The root cause lies in improper memory management practices within this subsystem, which can lead to conditions like use-after-free or buffer overflow when processing specially crafted HTML pages. By exploiting these flaws, an attacker who successfully tricks a user into visiting a malicious website can trigger the execution of arbitrary code with the privileges of the browser process. Although Chrome employs sandboxing techniques to limit the impact of such exploits by restricting access to sensitive system resources, this particular vulnerability allows for escape from or exploitation within that constrained environment, thereby compromising the integrity and confidentiality of the user's session.
From a technical perspective, memory corruption vulnerabilities in rendering engines are particularly dangerous because they often involve complex state machines and asynchronous operations where timing issues can be exploited. In the context of Chrome’s compositing layer, this likely involves incorrect handling of graphics buffers or texture mappings during the composition phase. When an attacker crafts HTML that triggers specific edge cases in how layers are allocated, updated, or freed, it creates a window for overwriting memory structures such as function pointers or object headers. This manipulation allows the injection and execution of shellcode or other malicious payloads directly within the browser process space. The severity is rated as Medium by Chromium security standards because while the exploit requires user interaction to initiate via a crafted webpage, the potential for arbitrary code execution poses a significant risk if combined with other vulnerabilities or social engineering tactics that bypass standard warning mechanisms.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft. If an attacker achieves remote code execution within the browser sandbox, they can potentially escalate privileges by exploiting subsequent flaws to break out of the sandbox entirely. This could lead full control over the underlying operating system, allowing for persistent malware installation, keylogging, credential harvesting, and lateral movement within a network if the compromised machine is part of a corporate environment. Furthermore, because this vulnerability exists in widely used web browsers, it serves as an attractive vector for drive-by attacks where no explicit user action beyond visiting a link or loading a page is required. The existence of such flaws highlights the ongoing challenge faced by browser developers to maintain robust memory safety guarantees across millions of lines of code written primarily in C++, a language prone to manual memory management errors.
To mitigate this risk, users must ensure that their Google Chrome installation is updated to version 156.0.8078.47 or later immediately upon availability. Browser vendors typically release these updates through automatic background processes, but verifying the update status manually is recommended for critical systems. Additionally, organizations should enforce strict browser policies and content security policies to restrict execution of untrusted scripts where possible. Security awareness training remains vital as technical controls cannot entirely eliminate social engineering risks associated with visiting malicious sites. From a defensive standpoint, deploying endpoint detection and response solutions that monitor for anomalous behavior in browser processes can help detect exploitation attempts even if the initial vulnerability is not patched immediately.
This incident aligns with common weakness enumeration CWE-120 Buffer Copy without Checking Size of Input which describes classic buffer overflow scenarios, as well as CWE-416 Use After Free when memory is accessed after it has been released. In terms of adversary tactics and techniques, this exploit falls under MITRE ATT&CK technique T1203 Exploitation for Client Execution, where attackers leverage vulnerabilities in client software to execute malicious code on the target system. The reliance on a crafted HTML page also relates to T1566 Phishing if delivered via email or social media links. Continuous monitoring of browser update channels and rapid patching cycles are essential components of an effective vulnerability management program against such high-impact web-based threats.