CVE-2026-113256 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE • 10/21/2026
Use after free in Permissions 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: Low)
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/22/2026
The vulnerability identified as a use-after-free condition within the Permissions module of Google Chrome prior to version 156.0.8078.47 represents a critical memory management flaw that undermines the browser's sandboxing architecture. This specific class of error occurs when the application continues to reference a memory block after it has been freed, leading to undefined behavior that can be exploited by malicious actors. In this instance, the flaw resides in how Chrome handles permission states for web content, specifically within the logic governing access controls and privilege escalation checks. When an attacker crafts a specific HTML page designed to trigger rapid allocation and deallocation cycles involving permission objects, they can manipulate the timing of memory reuse. By carefully controlling when freed memory is reallocated by other legitimate processes or data structures, the attacker ensures that their malicious payload occupies the same memory location previously held by the vulnerable object. This allows for arbitrary read and write operations within the context of the renderer process, effectively bypassing standard security boundaries.
From a technical perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-416, which describes Use After Free errors where pointers are used after they have been freed. The exploitation vector relies on precise heap grooming techniques to achieve code execution inside the sandboxed environment. Although Chromium classifies the security severity as Low due to the complexity required for reliable exploitation and potential mitigations present in modern browsers such as ASLR and stack canaries, the underlying risk remains significant because it targets the core isolation mechanisms of the browser architecture. The attacker does not need direct system access but rather a remote vector through a crafted web page that the victim visits or is tricked into visiting via phishing or drive-by download tactics. Once inside the sandbox, while full system compromise requires further exploitation steps to escape to the host operating system, the ability to execute arbitrary code within the renderer process allows for data exfiltration, session hijacking, and potential lateral movement if additional vulnerabilities are chained together.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond immediate code execution. It compromises the integrity of the browsing experience by allowing malicious scripts to intercept sensitive information such as cookies, local storage contents, or form inputs before they are transmitted securely. Furthermore, because permissions govern access to device features like camera, microphone, and geolocation, a successful exploit could lead to unauthorized surveillance capabilities if combined with other flaws in those specific permission handlers. The presence of this vulnerability indicates that the internal state management for web permissions lacked sufficient safeguards against race conditions or improper pointer invalidation during dynamic updates. This highlights the ongoing challenge browsers face in maintaining robust memory safety while supporting complex, dynamically loaded JavaScript environments and evolving web standards.
To mitigate the risks associated with this use-after-free flaw, users must ensure their Google Chrome installation is updated to version 156.0.8078.47 or later immediately upon availability. This patch includes corrections that properly manage memory lifecycles for permission-related objects, ensuring that pointers are nullified after deallocation and preventing reuse of freed memory blocks by malicious inputs. For organizations deploying Chrome at scale, it is advisable to enforce automatic update policies through enterprise management tools such as Google Admin Console or Microsoft Intune to minimize the window of exposure. Additionally, security teams should monitor for indicators of compromise related to heap spraying techniques often used in conjunction with use-after-free exploits and ensure that endpoint detection systems are configured to flag unusual memory access patterns within browser processes. While technical mitigations like sandboxing provide a layer of defense, relying solely on them is insufficient; timely patch management remains the most effective control against such vulnerabilities.
This incident underscores the importance of adhering to established security frameworks when evaluating browser risks. The vulnerability maps directly to MITRE ATT&CK technique T1203, which covers Exploitation for Client Execution, as it involves leveraging a flaw in client-side software to run malicious code. It also relates to CWE-94 regarding Improper Control of Generation of Code or Command, specifically when that code is executed within an isolated environment. By understanding these mappings, security professionals can better prioritize remediation efforts and enhance monitoring strategies for similar memory corruption issues across other web-based applications. Continuous vigilance and proactive patching are essential defenses against the evolving tactics used by threat actors to exploit complex software ecosystems like modern web browsers.