CVE-2026-113238 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE • 10/21/2026
Memory corruption in CustomTabs 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 involves a memory corruption flaw within the CustomTabs component of Google Chrome for Android, specifically affecting versions prior to 156.0.8078.47. This defect resides in the browser engine's handling of web content rendered through custom tabs, which are designed to allow applications to display web pages while maintaining some level of integration with the host app. The core technical flaw is a memory corruption issue, likely stemming from improper bounds checking or use-after-free conditions during the processing of HTML and associated resources. When an attacker crafts a malicious webpage specifically engineered to exploit this weakness in how Chrome allocates or manages memory for custom tab content, it triggers undefined behavior within the browser's execution environment. This type of error is particularly dangerous because it can lead to arbitrary code execution if the corrupted memory state allows the attacker to overwrite critical control data such as return addresses or function pointers.
From a security architecture perspective, this vulnerability represents a significant risk due to its remote exploitability and potential for sandbox escape. Although Chrome employs strict sandboxing mechanisms designed to isolate web content from the underlying operating system and other applications, successful exploitation of this memory corruption flaw could allow an attacker to break out of that restricted environment. By executing arbitrary code inside the sandbox context with elevated privileges or by leveraging the vulnerability to access sensitive data stored within the browser's profile, a remote attacker can compromise user privacy and device integrity. The severity is classified as medium in Chromium’s internal security rating system, reflecting the balance between the complexity required to exploit the flaw and the high impact of successful exploitation on Android devices where Chrome serves as the primary web browsing interface for many users.
This incident aligns with common vulnerability classifications found in industry standards such as CWE-120 Buffer Copy without Checking Size of Input or CWE-416 Use After Free, depending on the specific nature of the memory corruption observed during internal testing and analysis. In terms of adversary tactics, this exploit vector corresponds to ATT&CK technique T1189 Drive-by Client Execution, where attackers rely on user interaction with a malicious website rather than direct installation of malware. The attack chain typically involves social engineering or compromised advertising networks delivering the crafted HTML page, which then triggers the vulnerability upon rendering in Chrome for Android. This method is effective because it bypasses traditional endpoint protection measures that focus on executable files, instead targeting the browser engine itself through standard web protocols like HTTP and HTTPS.
Mitigation strategies primarily involve immediate software updates to ensure all affected devices are running version 156.0.8078.47 or later of Google Chrome for Android. Since this is a client-side vulnerability in a widely used application, patching remains the most effective defense against exploitation by remote attackers. Additionally, users should exercise caution when interacting with links from untrusted sources, particularly those that open directly into custom tabs rather than standard browser windows, as these may be targeted more aggressively due to their perceived lower security overhead. Security teams monitoring Android environments should also consider deploying mobile device management policies that enforce automatic updates for critical applications like Chrome to minimize the window of exposure during vulnerability disclosure periods. Continuous monitoring for anomalous behavior in web rendering processes and keeping threat intelligence feeds updated regarding browser-specific exploits will further enhance organizational resilience against such attacks.