CVE-2026-113324 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE • 10/21/2026
Use after free in GPU 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 GPU subsystem of Google Chrome prior to version 156.0.8078.47 represents a critical memory management error that can be exploited by remote attackers to achieve arbitrary code execution. This specific flaw occurs when the browser's graphics processing unit interface fails to properly manage the lifecycle of allocated memory objects, specifically allowing access to memory regions after they have been freed and potentially reallocated for other purposes. By crafting an HTML page that triggers this race condition or improper state transition during GPU command buffer operations, an attacker can manipulate pointers to reference stale data structures rather than valid ones. This misdirection allows the execution flow to be hijacked, leading to the injection and execution of malicious code within the browser's process space.
From a technical perspective, use-after-free vulnerabilities are among the most dangerous classes of memory corruption bugs because they provide attackers with significant control over program behavior without requiring direct buffer overflow techniques. In the context of Chrome’s architecture, which relies heavily on sandboxing to isolate web content from the host operating system, this vulnerability poses a severe risk if it allows an escape from these security boundaries. The GPU process is typically granted elevated privileges compared to standard renderer processes because it requires direct access to hardware resources for performance optimization. If an attacker can exploit the use-after-free state within this privileged context, they may bypass sandbox restrictions and execute code with higher system-level permissions, effectively compromising the integrity of the user's environment.
The operational impact of such a vulnerability is profound, as it enables remote code execution through simple social engineering tactics like visiting a malicious website or clicking on a compromised link. Since modern browsers handle complex rendering tasks involving WebGL, Canvas elements, and hardware-accelerated video playback, an attacker can craft seemingly benign multimedia content that silently triggers the exploit in the background. This leads to potential data theft, installation of malware, or use of the infected machine as part of a botnet. The severity rating of High by Chromium security teams reflects the likelihood of successful exploitation given the prevalence of GPU-accelerated web technologies and the difficulty for users to detect such silent compromises without specialized monitoring tools.
To mitigate this risk, it is imperative that all systems running Google Chrome are updated immediately to version 156.0.8078.47 or later, where these memory management checks have been hardened. Developers should also ensure that their applications leverage the latest stable releases of Chromium-based browsers to benefit from ongoing security patches addressing similar issues in other subsystems. For organizations managing large fleets of devices, automated patch deployment mechanisms are essential to minimize the window of exposure. Additionally, enabling strict content security policies and disabling unnecessary GPU acceleration features can reduce the attack surface, although relying solely on configuration changes is not a substitute for timely software updates.
This vulnerability aligns with Common Weakness Enumeration identifier CWE-416, which describes use after free errors resulting from improper memory management practices. In terms of offensive cybersecurity frameworks, this exploit path corresponds to ATT&CK technique T1203, specifically the exploitation of client-side applications for code execution. Understanding these mappings helps security teams prioritize remediation efforts and monitor for indicators of compromise associated with known exploits targeting similar memory corruption flaws in web browsers. Continuous monitoring of browser update notifications and maintaining strict version control policies remain the most effective defenses against such sophisticated remote attacks.