CVE-2026-113146 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE • 10/21/2026
Memory corruption in PerformanceAPIs in Google Chrome prior to 156.0.8078.47 allowed a remote attacker to potentially 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 within the Performance APIs of Google Chrome, specifically in versions prior to 156.0.8078.47, represents a critical memory corruption flaw that undermines the browser's core security model. This issue stems from improper handling of data structures during performance metric collection and processing operations. When a user visits a maliciously crafted HTML page containing specially designed JavaScript code or embedded resources, the browser attempts to parse and execute these instructions. The underlying defect allows an attacker to manipulate memory allocation and deallocation processes, leading to conditions such as heap overflow or use-after-free scenarios. These types of memory corruption errors are particularly dangerous because they can corrupt adjacent memory regions, potentially overwriting function pointers or object headers with malicious data controlled by the attacker.
From a technical perspective, this flaw exploits weaknesses in how Chrome manages resources associated with performance monitoring features. The Performance API is designed to provide web developers with detailed information about page load times and resource timing, but its implementation contains logic errors that fail to properly validate input boundaries or manage object lifecycles correctly. By triggering these specific code paths through a crafted webpage, an attacker can cause the browser to write data beyond allocated buffer limits or access memory after it has been freed. This corruption disrupts the internal state of the JavaScript engine and associated components, creating opportunities for arbitrary code execution. The severity is classified as medium by Chromium security standards because while exploitation requires user interaction via a crafted page, the potential impact on system integrity is significant if successful.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data leakage or denial of service. Successful exploitation allows a remote attacker to execute arbitrary commands within the context of the browser sandbox. Although Chrome employs robust sandboxing mechanisms designed to isolate web content from the host operating system, memory corruption vulnerabilities can sometimes be chained with other techniques to escape these restrictions. If an attacker achieves code execution inside the sandbox, they may gain access to sensitive user data such as cookies, session tokens, and browsing history stored by the browser. In more severe cases involving successful sandbox escapes, the attacker could potentially execute arbitrary code on the underlying operating system, leading to full compromise of the victim's device. This highlights the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date software versions to mitigate risks associated with complex exploitation chains.
To address this vulnerability and prevent similar issues in future releases, it is imperative for users and administrators to update Google Chrome to version 156.0.8078.47 or later immediately upon availability. This patch includes corrections to the memory management logic within the Performance APIs, ensuring that input validation is rigorous and resource lifecycles are properly managed. Additionally, organizations should enforce strict content security policies and utilize browser hardening techniques such as disabling unnecessary plugins or scripts where possible. Security teams should also monitor for indicators of compromise related to unusual network activity originating from web browsers, which may signal attempted exploitation attempts. Regular patch management cycles and automated vulnerability scanning tools can help identify systems running outdated versions that are susceptible to this type of memory corruption attack.
This incident aligns with common weakness enumerations such as CWE-120 Buffer Copy without Checking Size of Input or CWE-416 Use After Free, which describe the fundamental nature of memory safety violations in software development. Furthermore, from an adversary tactics perspective, exploitation attempts would likely fall under MITRE ATT&CK techniques related to Initial Access via Spearphishing Link and Execution through Browser Scripting. Understanding these classifications helps security professionals anticipate attack vectors and implement appropriate defensive controls. The resolution underscores the ongoing challenges in maintaining memory safety in complex software ecosystems like web browsers, where performance features must balance functionality with rigorous security constraints. Continuous monitoring of vendor advisories and prompt application of updates remain the most effective strategies for mitigating risks posed by such vulnerabilities.