CVE-2026-113298 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE • 10/21/2026
Use after free in Transactions Platform 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: High)
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/21/2026
The vulnerability identified as a use-after-free condition within the Transactions Platform of Google Chrome prior to version 156.0.8078.47 represents a critical memory management error that compromises the integrity and confidentiality of user data. This flaw arises 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. The Transactions Platform is a core component responsible for handling sensitive financial information during online transactions, making its security paramount. When an attacker crafts a specific HTML page designed to trigger this race condition or improper state management, they can manipulate the memory layout of the browser process. This manipulation allows for arbitrary code execution within the sandboxed environment where Chrome typically isolates web content from the host operating system.
From a technical perspective, use-after-free vulnerabilities are particularly dangerous because they provide attackers with control over pointer values and memory contents. In this specific instance, the flaw likely stems from an object being destroyed while still referenced by another part of the application logic within the Transactions Platform module. By carefully crafting the HTML payload to exploit timing or state transitions, a remote attacker can cause the freed memory to be reallocated for malicious purposes. This enables the injection and execution of arbitrary code, effectively bypassing the sandbox protections that are designed to limit the impact of web-based attacks. The Chromium security severity rating of High reflects the potential for significant compromise, as successful exploitation could lead to full system takeover depending on the privileges under which the browser is running.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data leakage or defacement. An attacker who successfully exploits this flaw can execute arbitrary code with the same permissions as the victim user. This means that sensitive financial credentials, session tokens, and personal identification information stored in cookies or local storage could be exfiltrated to a remote server controlled by the adversary. Furthermore, the ability to run arbitrary code opens the door for further lateral movement within a network if the compromised machine is part of an enterprise environment. The sandbox mechanism, while robust, relies on strict isolation boundaries that are breached when memory corruption allows escape from the restricted context into more privileged areas or simply allows unrestricted execution within the user space.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-416, which describes use after free errors, a category of bugs often resulting in crashes but frequently exploitable for code execution. In terms of attack vectors and techniques, this scenario maps to MITRE ATT&CK technique T1203, specifically focusing on exploitation for client-side attacks via web browsers. The attacker utilizes social engineering or drive-by download tactics by hosting the crafted HTML page, relying on the victim visiting a malicious site or being redirected through compromised advertising networks. The lack of immediate mitigation other than updating software highlights the importance of timely patch management in enterprise and personal environments alike.
To mitigate this risk, organizations and individual users must ensure that Google Chrome is updated to version 156.0.8078.47 or later immediately upon availability. This update contains patches for the memory handling logic within the Transactions Platform that prevent the dangling pointer from being dereferenced after deallocation. Additionally, implementing browser hardening techniques such as disabling JavaScript on untrusted sites can reduce the attack surface, although this may impact usability. Security teams should also monitor network traffic for indicators of compromise associated with known exploit kits targeting Chrome vulnerabilities and ensure that endpoint detection and response solutions are configured to flag unusual process creation events originating from browser processes. Regular vulnerability scanning and patch deployment cycles are essential defenses against such high-severity memory corruption flaws in widely used web browsers.