CVE-2026-121249 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE • 11/03/2026
Buffer overflow in ANGLE in Google Chrome prior to 157.0.8103.38 allowed a remote attacker to execute arbitrary code outside the sandbox via a crafted HTML page. (Chromium security severity: High)
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/03/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-9680 represents a critical memory safety failure within the ANGLE graphics library, which is integrated into Google Chrome prior to version 157.0.8103.38. This flaw specifically manifests as a buffer overflow condition that occurs during the processing of graphical data or shader instructions rendered through the browser's rendering engine. The root cause lies in insufficient bounds checking when handling input buffers, allowing an attacker to write beyond the allocated memory boundaries. Because ANGLE serves as the translation layer between web graphics APIs like WebGL and underlying native graphics drivers such as OpenGL, Vulkan, or Direct3D, this low-level memory corruption can have severe consequences for system stability and security. The Chromium project has classified this issue with a High severity rating due to its potential for remote code execution under specific conditions.
From an operational perspective, the primary risk associated with this vulnerability is the ability of a malicious actor to execute arbitrary code on the victim's machine by crafting a specialized HTML page containing malicious JavaScript and WebGL content. When a user visits such a webpage, the browser processes the crafted graphics commands through ANGLE. The buffer overflow allows the attacker to overwrite adjacent memory structures, potentially gaining control over program execution flow. Although Chrome employs sandboxing mechanisms designed to restrict the privileges of renderer processes, this particular vulnerability was noted for its potential to escape these sandboxes under certain configurations or exploit chains. This means that successful exploitation could lead not just to data theft within the browser context but to full system compromise, allowing attackers to install malware, exfiltrate sensitive information, or use the device as part of a botnet.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-120, which describes buffer copy without checking size limits, and more specifically relates to CWE-787, an out-of-bounds write that can lead to arbitrary code execution. In terms of offensive security frameworks, this exploit vector maps directly to MITRE ATT&CK technique T1203, which covers Exploitation for Client Execution. Attackers typically leverage social engineering or drive-by download tactics to lure victims into accessing the crafted HTML page. The exploitation process often involves crafting a payload that abuses the memory corruption to bypass security mitigations such as Data Execution Prevention (DEP) and Address Space Layout Randomization (ASLR), although modern browsers employ additional hardening measures like Control Flow Integrity (CFI) which may complicate direct exploitation attempts.
To mitigate this risk, organizations must ensure that all instances of Google Chrome are updated to version 157.0.8103.38 or later immediately upon availability. For enterprise environments utilizing managed deployment tools, policies should be configured to enforce automatic updates or scheduled patching cycles for the browser software. Additionally, security teams can implement application control solutions that restrict the execution of untrusted scripts within renderer processes, thereby reducing the attack surface even if a vulnerability is present. Users are advised to exercise caution when visiting unfamiliar websites and to keep their operating systems and graphics drivers up to date, as these components also play a role in mitigating low-level exploitation techniques. Regular security audits and monitoring for anomalous browser behavior can further aid in detecting potential attempts to exploit this class of vulnerabilities before they result in successful compromise.