CVE-2026-113233 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE • 10/21/2026
Out of bounds read in Core in Google Chrome on on Android 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 as an out-of-bounds read within the Core component of Google Chrome on Android represents a critical memory safety flaw that undermines the browser's integrity and isolation mechanisms. This issue, present in versions prior to 156.0.8078.47, stems from improper bounds checking during data processing operations within the rendering engine or associated core libraries. When a remote attacker crafts a malicious HTML page containing specific sequences designed to trigger this flaw, they can cause the browser to read memory locations beyond the intended buffer boundaries. Although classified as an out-of-bounds read rather than a write, such vulnerabilities are frequently precursors to more severe exploits because reading arbitrary memory allows attackers to leak sensitive information or gather data necessary for constructing sophisticated attack chains that may lead to remote code execution within the sandboxed environment.
From a technical perspective, this flaw aligns with CWE-125, which describes out-of-bounds read vulnerabilities where software reads past the end of an allocated buffer. In the context of modern web browsers like Chrome, memory safety is paramount because these applications operate in highly constrained sandboxes to prevent malicious content from affecting the host operating system or user data. The Chromium security team has categorized this issue with a medium severity rating, reflecting its potential for exploitation but also acknowledging that direct code execution might require additional conditions or auxiliary vulnerabilities. However, historical trends indicate that out-of-bounds reads are often leveraged in conjunction with other weaknesses to achieve arbitrary read/write primitives, thereby bypassing sandbox protections and allowing the execution of arbitrary code on the victim's device.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant for Android users who rely on Chrome as their primary web browser or system component. A successful exploit could allow a remote attacker to execute arbitrary commands within the context of the compromised process. This breach of isolation can lead to unauthorized access to sensitive user data, including cookies, saved passwords, and browsing history stored locally by the application. Furthermore, if the sandbox boundaries are successfully circumvented through this memory corruption technique, the attacker may gain deeper system-level privileges or install persistent malware without the user's knowledge. The risk is exacerbated by the ease of distribution via phishing campaigns or compromised websites that host the crafted HTML payload, making it a viable vector for targeted attacks against mobile users.
To mitigate these risks, immediate action must be taken to update Google Chrome on all Android devices to version 156.0.8078.47 or later, where this memory safety issue has been resolved through improved bounds checking and validation logic within the Core component. Users should ensure that automatic updates are enabled to receive security patches promptly as they become available. Additionally, organizations deploying Chrome in enterprise environments should enforce strict update policies across all managed devices to minimize exposure windows. Security awareness training for end-users regarding suspicious links and untrusted web content remains a vital complementary defense strategy, reducing the likelihood of encountering malicious HTML pages designed to trigger such vulnerabilities.
This incident underscores the importance of rigorous memory safety practices in software development, particularly within complex applications like web browsers that process vast amounts of external data. The alignment with ATT&CK techniques related to initial access and privilege escalation highlights how seemingly minor memory errors can serve as critical entry points for advanced persistent threats. By addressing these foundational vulnerabilities through timely patching and robust security engineering principles, organizations and individuals can significantly reduce their attack surface and maintain the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of their digital assets against evolving cyber threats.