CVE-2026-113302 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE • 10/21/2026
Use after free in Extensions 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: Medium)
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/21/2026
The vulnerability identified as a use-after-free condition within the Extensions component of Google Chrome prior to version 156.0.8078.47 represents a critical memory management flaw that undermines the browser's sandboxing mechanisms. This specific class of error occurs when software continues to use a pointer after it has been freed, leading to undefined behavior that can be exploited by malicious actors. In this instance, the defect resides in how Chrome handles resources associated with its extension system, which is designed to isolate third-party code from the rest of the browser and operating system. The presence of such a flaw indicates a lapse in reference counting or memory lifecycle management within the internal structures governing extension execution contexts.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability allows for remote code execution inside the sandbox through a crafted HTML page. An attacker can construct a malicious webpage that triggers the specific sequence of events leading to the use-after-free condition when interacting with Chrome extensions. By exploiting this race condition or logic error, the attacker gains the ability to execute arbitrary commands within the restricted environment where browser processes operate. While the sandbox is designed to limit the impact of such exploits by restricting access to sensitive system resources, successful exploitation can still lead to significant security compromises, including data theft, persistence mechanisms, or further lateral movement if additional vulnerabilities are chained together.
The technical severity of this issue is classified as medium within the Chromium security framework, reflecting its potential for remote code execution while acknowledging the mitigating effects of modern browser sandboxing techniques such as site isolation and process separation. However, relying solely on these defenses is not sufficient given the sophistication of current exploit development techniques. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-416, which describes use after free errors, a common source of instability and security breaches in C++ based applications like Chromium. Furthermore, from an adversary tactics perspective, this flaw facilitates initial access and execution phases as defined by the MITRE ATT&CK framework, specifically relating to client-side exploitation techniques that leverage browser vulnerabilities to establish a foothold on a target system.
Mitigation strategies primarily involve immediate patching of the Google Chrome installation to version 156.0.8078.47 or later, where these memory management issues have been resolved by developers through rigorous code review and automated fuzzing processes. Organizations should ensure that their endpoint protection platforms are updated to detect exploitation attempts targeting known browser vulnerabilities. Additionally, administrators can enforce policies that restrict the installation of unverified extensions to reduce the attack surface associated with extension-related components. Regular auditing of installed add-ons and disabling unnecessary features further diminishes the likelihood of successful exploitation by limiting the available vectors for attackers to trigger the vulnerable code paths within the browser engine.