CVE-2026-113073 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE • 10/21/2026
Use after free in Browser 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 a use-after-free condition within the browser engine of Google Chrome prior to version 156.0.8078.47 represents a critical memory management flaw that can be exploited by remote attackers to achieve arbitrary code execution. This specific class of vulnerabilities occurs when a program continues to use a pointer after it has been freed, leading to undefined behavior that often results in the corruption of heap structures or the execution of malicious payloads. In this instance, the flaw resides within the core browser components responsible for rendering web content, meaning that an attacker does not need direct access to the victim's system but only needs to lure them into visiting a specially crafted HTML page. The severity is classified as medium by Chromium security standards, reflecting its potential impact while acknowledging existing sandbox mitigations that may complicate full exploitation in some scenarios.
From a technical perspective, use-after-free vulnerabilities are particularly dangerous because they allow an attacker to control the memory state of the application after deallocation has occurred. When the browser frees a memory block associated with a DOM element or script object but retains references to it elsewhere in its internal data structures, subsequent operations on those stale pointers can lead to heap corruption. By carefully crafting the HTML page and potentially leveraging JavaScript techniques such as spray allocation attacks, an attacker can manipulate what gets allocated into that freed memory space. If successful, this manipulation allows the execution of arbitrary code within the context of the browser process. Although Chrome employs a multi-process architecture with sandboxing to limit the damage caused by renderer compromises, sophisticated exploitation chains can often bypass these protections through kernel exploits or other privilege escalation techniques, ultimately leading to full system compromise.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant for any user relying on Google Chrome as their primary web browser. A successful exploit could result in unauthorized access to sensitive data stored locally, such as cookies, passwords, and browsing history. Furthermore, it enables the installation of persistent malware or backdoors that operate with the privileges of the current user account. This aligns closely with Common Weakness Enumeration (CWE) category CWE-416, which defines use-after-free errors as a distinct weakness in software design. Additionally, from an adversary perspective, this vulnerability facilitates initial access and execution phases within the MITRE ATT&CK framework, specifically mapping to techniques involving client-side exploitation via web browsers. The ability to execute code remotely through a crafted webpage makes it a high-value target for phishing campaigns or drive-by download attacks where user interaction is limited to simply loading the malicious page.
Mitigation strategies primarily involve immediate patching of the affected software versions. Users should update Google Chrome to version 156.0.8078.47 or later, which includes fixes that ensure proper memory management and prevent access to freed resources. For organizations managing large fleets of devices, deploying this update via centralized endpoint management tools is essential to reduce exposure time. Beyond patching, defense-in-depth measures such as enabling Google Chrome's Site Isolation feature can help contain potential exploits within individual renderer processes, making it harder for attackers to escalate privileges or access sensitive data across different sites. Additionally, keeping operating systems and other browser plugins up to date ensures that secondary exploitation vectors are minimized. Security awareness training should also be conducted to educate users about the risks of visiting untrusted websites, although technical controls remain the most effective defense against automated drive-by attacks exploiting this specific vulnerability.