CVE-2026-113289 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE • 10/21/2026
Improper input validation 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 as an improper input validation flaw within the PerformanceAPIs component of Google Chrome prior to version 156.0.8078.47 represents a significant breach in browser sandbox integrity. This class of defect typically arises when the application fails to adequately sanitize or validate data structures passed from untrusted sources, such as web pages rendered by the user, into internal performance tracking mechanisms. In modern browsers like Chrome, the renderer process operates within a strict security sandbox designed to prevent arbitrary code execution even if an attacker successfully exploits a memory corruption bug. However, when input validation is insufficient, attackers can craft specific HTML and JavaScript payloads that trigger undefined behavior or logic errors during the processing of performance metrics. This malformed data can lead to heap-based buffer overflows or use-after-free conditions within the privileged components responsible for aggregating browser telemetry, thereby allowing an attacker to bypass sandbox restrictions and achieve arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the renderer process.
From a technical perspective, this vulnerability aligns closely with CWE-20 Improper Input Validation and potentially CWE-125 Out-of-bounds Read or CWE-787 Out-of-bounds Write depending on the specific memory corruption mechanism triggered by the malformed input. The attacker constructs a malicious HTML page that exploits the PerformanceAPIs to send specially crafted requests or data objects that exceed expected bounds or violate type constraints assumed by the underlying C++ code. Because these APIs are frequently invoked during normal browsing activities, such as loading complex web applications with heavy analytics tracking, the attack surface is broad and difficult for users to avoid without disabling JavaScript entirely. The Chromium security team classified this issue with a Medium severity rating, indicating that while exploitation requires specific conditions or user interaction, it poses a credible risk to system stability and confidentiality due to its potential to escape sandbox boundaries.
The operational impact of successfully exploiting this vulnerability is severe, as it grants the attacker code execution capabilities within the context of the browser process. Although modern browsers employ multiple layers of defense including DEP, ASLR, and sandboxing, escaping the renderer sandbox allows an attacker to interact with more sensitive system resources or potentially chain this flaw with other vulnerabilities to achieve full system compromise. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059 Command and Scripting Interpreter if JavaScript is used for initial execution, followed by T1203 Exploitation for Client Execution where the malicious HTML page serves as the delivery mechanism. The ability to execute arbitrary code means an attacker could install malware, exfiltrate sensitive data stored in browser cookies or local storage, or use the compromised machine as a pivot point within a network.
Mitigation strategies primarily involve immediate software updates to ensure all instances of Google Chrome are upgraded to version 156.0.8078.47 or later where these input validation checks have been strengthened and memory safety issues corrected. Organizations should enforce automated patch management policies to minimize the window of exposure for end-users. Additionally, users can employ browser hardening techniques such as disabling JavaScript in untrusted sites using extensions like NoScript or configuring strict Content Security Policies if they are developers testing their own applications. While no perfect user-side mitigation exists for this specific flaw without impacting functionality, keeping the browser updated remains the most effective defense against exploitation of input validation vulnerabilities in web rendering engines.