CVE-2026-113344 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE • 10/21/2026
Use after free in Performance 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 Performance module of Google Chrome prior to version 156.0.8078.47 represents a critical memory safety flaw that undermines the browser's sandboxing mechanisms. This type of error occurs when a program continues to use a pointer after it has been freed, leading to undefined behavior that can be exploited by malicious actors. In this specific instance, the flaw resides in how Chrome handles performance metrics and related data structures during web page rendering or execution. When an attacker crafts a specialized HTML page containing JavaScript code designed to trigger rapid allocation and deallocation of memory blocks associated with performance tracking objects, they can manipulate the state of these freed pointers. By carefully timing their actions, the attacker ensures that new allocations reuse the memory address previously occupied by the now-freed object, effectively gaining control over its contents through heap spraying techniques or similar exploitation strategies.
From a technical perspective, this vulnerability falls under the category of CWE-416, which is defined as Use After Free. The operational impact is severe because it allows for arbitrary code execution within the browser's sandboxed environment. Modern browsers employ multiple layers of defense-in-depth security measures to isolate web content from the host operating system. However, a successful exploitation of this use-after-free flaw can bypass these protections by allowing an attacker to overwrite function pointers or virtual table entries in memory. This manipulation enables the injection and execution of arbitrary shellcode, effectively breaking out of the restricted sandbox context. The Chromium security severity is rated as Medium, reflecting the complexity required for reliable exploitation but acknowledging the high impact if successful. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability through a simple web page visit, requiring no user interaction beyond loading the malicious content, which significantly lowers the barrier to entry for remote attacks.
This incident aligns with several tactics and techniques documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework, particularly those related to initial access and execution within confined environments. The exploitation method resembles patterns seen in CVE-2019-5786 or similar heap-based vulnerabilities where memory corruption leads to code execution. It highlights the persistent challenge browsers face in managing dynamic memory allocation securely while maintaining high performance for web applications. The presence of such flaws indicates potential gaps in Chrome's internal bounds checking and object lifecycle management, particularly within modules that handle frequent updates like performance monitoring tools. These components often process untrusted data from web pages, making them prime targets for fuzzing-based discovery and subsequent exploitation by sophisticated threat actors aiming to compromise user systems via drive-by download scenarios or malicious advertising networks.
Mitigation strategies primarily involve updating the browser software immediately upon release of version 156.0.8078.47 or later, which contains patches addressing this specific memory management issue. Developers and security teams should also consider implementing stricter sandboxing policies where possible, although relying solely on application-level fixes is insufficient for comprehensive protection. Organizations are advised to deploy endpoint detection and response solutions capable of identifying anomalous process creation patterns that may indicate successful exploitation attempts. Furthermore, enabling automatic updates ensures that users benefit from timely patches without manual intervention. For developers working with similar web technologies, rigorous code review processes focusing on memory management practices and the adoption of static analysis tools can help identify potential use-after-free conditions before deployment. Continuous monitoring for indicators of compromise related to browser-based exploits remains essential given the evolving nature of such vulnerabilities in modern software ecosystems.