CVE-2026-118329 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE • 10/28/2026
Improper input validation in ANGLE in Google Chrome on on Mac 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 within the ANGLE graphics library, which is integrated into Google Chrome on macOS prior to version 156.0.8078.73, represents a critical failure in input validation mechanisms. ANGLE serves as an intermediary layer that translates OpenGL ES API calls into native platform-specific graphics APIs such as Metal or DirectX. This translation process involves complex parsing and execution of shader code and graphical commands received from web content. The specific flaw arises when the library fails to adequately sanitize or validate inputs derived from untrusted sources, specifically those originating from remote websites accessed via a crafted HTML page. By exploiting this improper input validation, an attacker can inject malicious data that bypasses expected boundaries within the graphics processing pipeline. This allows for memory corruption issues such as buffer overflows or type confusion errors, which are foundational to achieving arbitrary code execution.
From a technical perspective, the core issue lies in the insufficient checks performed on graphical primitives and shader inputs before they are processed by the underlying hardware drivers. When a remote attacker hosts a malicious HTML page containing specially crafted JavaScript that manipulates WebGL contexts, it can trigger these validation failures within ANGLE. The resulting memory corruption allows for control over program execution flow or arbitrary read-write capabilities inside the browser process. Although Chrome employs robust sandboxing mechanisms to isolate renderer processes from the operating system and user data, successful exploitation of this vulnerability enables an attacker to escape the confines of the renderer sandbox. This escalation is significant because it transitions the threat model from a contained web content compromise to potential full system compromise if further exploits are chained or if the sandbox boundaries are breached through other means.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe due to its remote exploitability and high severity rating assigned by Chromium security teams. A user visiting a maliciously crafted website can trigger the flaw without any additional interaction, such as clicking buttons or downloading files. This zero-click aspect increases the risk profile significantly in scenarios involving phishing campaigns or drive-by downloads. The ability to execute arbitrary code within the sandbox context means that attackers could potentially access sensitive browser data, steal cookies and session tokens, install malware, or use the compromised machine as a pivot point for further network attacks. For organizations relying on Chrome for secure web browsing, this vulnerability undermines trust in the isolation model provided by modern browsers, necessitating immediate attention to patching cycles and endpoint security configurations.
Mitigation strategies primarily involve updating Google Chrome to version 156.0.8078.73 or later, where these input validation checks have been strengthened and memory safety issues resolved. In environments where automatic updates are not feasible, administrators should enforce strict update policies through enterprise management tools to ensure all endpoints receive the patched binary promptly. Additionally, deploying browser isolation solutions or web filtering services can help block access to known malicious domains that might host such crafted HTML pages. From a defensive development standpoint, this incident highlights the importance of rigorous fuzzing and static analysis for graphics libraries like ANGLE, which handle complex untrusted inputs. Adhering to secure coding practices that emphasize strict input validation at all boundaries between trusted and untrusted code is essential to preventing similar vulnerabilities in future releases.
This vulnerability aligns with Common Weakness Enumeration (CWE) categories such as CWE-20 Improper Input Validation and potentially CWE-119 Buffer Overflow if memory corruption occurs due to unchecked bounds. In terms of the MITRE ATT&CK framework, this exploit technique relates to T1203 Exploitation for Client Execution, where attackers leverage software vulnerabilities in client applications to execute malicious code on a victim's system. The attack vector is classified as Network-based with no user interaction required beyond visiting the webpage, fitting into initial access tactics that rely on social engineering or drive-by compromise mechanisms. Understanding these mappings helps security teams prioritize remediation efforts and enhance detection rules for similar exploitation attempts targeting browser components.