CVE-2026-118314 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE • 10/28/2026
Improper input validation in UI in Google Chrome on on Android prior to 156.0.8078.73 allowed a remote attacker to potentially execute arbitrary code inside the sandbox via a crafted HTML page. (Chromium security severity: High)
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/28/2026
The vulnerability identified as an improper input validation flaw within the user interface of Google Chrome on Android, specifically affecting versions prior to 156.0.8078.73, represents a significant risk to web application security and browser integrity. This issue stems from insufficient sanitization or type checking of data inputs processed by the rendering engine when handling specific HTML constructs. In modern browsers like Chromium-based Chrome, the user interface components often interact with underlying JavaScript engines and layout systems that parse complex markup structures. When an attacker crafts a malicious HTML page containing specially designed input elements or attributes, they can exploit gaps in the validation logic to bypass expected constraints. This allows for the injection of unexpected data types or malformed structures into internal processing pipelines, which may lead to memory corruption or logical errors within the browser's execution environment.
From a technical perspective, this flaw aligns with CWE-20 Improper Input Validation and potentially CWE-787 Out-of-bounds Write if the validation failure leads to buffer overflows during parsing operations. The severity is classified as High by Chromium security standards because it facilitates remote code execution within the browser's sandboxed environment. While browsers employ multiple layers of defense such as ASLR, DEP, and site isolation to mitigate exploitation, a successful exploit could allow an attacker to escape these restrictions under certain conditions or achieve arbitrary read/write primitives that compromise the integrity of the browsing session. The attack vector is remote via a crafted HTML page, meaning no user interaction beyond visiting the malicious URL is required if automatic rendering triggers are present, although social engineering may still be necessary to lure users to the site.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft or defacement. Successful exploitation could enable an attacker to execute arbitrary code on the victim's device with the privileges of the browser process. This can lead to full system compromise if sandbox escape techniques are combined with other vulnerabilities, allowing access to sensitive files, credentials stored in the password manager, and session cookies for authenticated web services. Furthermore, it undermines user trust in the security model of mobile browsers, which are increasingly used as primary gateways to personal and professional digital identities on Android devices. The ability to execute code remotely via a simple webpage highlights the critical importance of robust input validation mechanisms within high-complexity software systems like web browsers.
Mitigation strategies primarily involve immediate patching by upgrading Google Chrome on Android to version 156.0.8078.73 or later, where these input validation checks have been strengthened and corrected. For organizations managing fleets of Android devices, enforcing automatic updates through Mobile Device Management solutions is essential to ensure all endpoints are protected against this class of vulnerabilities. Additionally, users should exercise caution when visiting untrusted websites, although the nature of this vulnerability means that even seemingly benign sites could be compromised if they host or redirect to malicious content. Security monitoring tools and browser extensions that enforce strict Content Security Policies can also help mitigate some downstream effects by restricting script execution contexts, though patching remains the definitive remediation step for this specific input validation flaw.