CVE-2026-118334 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE • 10/28/2026
Use after free in ImageCapture in Google Chrome prior to 156.0.8078.73 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 • 10/28/2026
The vulnerability identified as a use-after-free flaw within the ImageCapture component of Google Chrome prior to version 156.0.8078.73 represents a critical memory safety issue that compromises the integrity of the browser's sandboxing mechanisms. This specific class of error occurs when the application attempts to access or manipulate memory that has already been deallocated by the system, typically due to improper management of object lifecycles in C++ based software like Chromium. In this context, the ImageCapture API, which allows web applications to capture images from media devices such as cameras and microphones, failed to properly invalidate references to objects after they were freed. This oversight creates a window where an attacker can exploit the dangling pointer to execute arbitrary code within the restricted environment of the browser sandbox.
From a technical perspective, this flaw aligns with Common Weakness Enumeration identifier CWE-416, which describes use-after-free conditions resulting from incorrect memory management practices. The vulnerability is triggered when a crafted HTML page interacts with the ImageCapture interface in a specific sequence that causes an object to be released while still being referenced by another part of the application logic. Because Chrome relies heavily on sandboxing to isolate web content from the underlying operating system, any successful exploitation allows code execution within this confined space. While the sandbox provides significant protection against direct system compromise, achieving arbitrary code execution inside it is a critical milestone for attackers as it often serves as a stepping stone toward escaping the sandbox and gaining control over the host machine.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe due to its remote exploitability via standard web technologies. An attacker can distribute or embed a malicious HTML page that leverages JavaScript calls to the ImageCapture API in a manner designed to trigger the memory corruption flaw. When an unsuspecting user visits such a page, potentially through social engineering or drive-by download tactics, the browser processes the crafted requests and executes the exploit code. This capability allows for potential data exfiltration, installation of persistent malware, or further lateral movement within a network if the compromised machine is part of a larger infrastructure. The high severity rating assigned by Chromium security reflects the ease with which this flaw can be weaponized in real-world attack scenarios without requiring user interaction beyond visiting the malicious site.
This incident maps directly to several tactics and techniques defined in the MITRE ATT&CK framework, particularly those related to initial access and execution within a sandboxed environment. The exploitation of memory corruption vulnerabilities like use-after-free is a common technique for bypassing modern security controls that rely on detecting anomalous behavior or blocking known malicious signatures. By exploiting this flaw, an attacker effectively neutralizes the protective barriers intended by the browser architecture, demonstrating the persistent risk posed by legacy coding patterns in complex software systems.
To mitigate the risks associated with this vulnerability, it is imperative to update Google Chrome and all Chromium-based browsers immediately to version 156.0.8078.73 or later where these memory management issues have been corrected. Organizations should enforce automated patching policies for endpoint devices to ensure that users are protected against such remote code execution attempts. Additionally, implementing strict content security policies can help restrict the capabilities of web applications running in the browser, reducing the attack surface available to potential exploiters. Security teams should also monitor network traffic and endpoint logs for indicators of compromise associated with memory corruption exploits, ensuring rapid detection and response if a breach attempt occurs despite preventive measures.