CVE-2026-16804 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE • 07/24/2026
Use after free in Input in Google Chrome prior to 150.0.7871.186 allowed a remote attacker who had compromised the renderer process to potentially perform a sandbox escape via a crafted HTML page. (Chromium security severity: High)
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/24/2026
This vulnerability represents a critical use-after-free condition affecting google chrome versions prior to 150.0.7871.186 within its input handling mechanisms. The flaw occurs when the browser processes crafted html content that triggers memory management errors in the renderer process, creating opportunities for attackers who have already compromised this process to escalate their privileges. The vulnerability falls under the common weakness enumeration category of cwe-416 use after free, which specifically addresses improper handling of freed memory regions that can lead to arbitrary code execution and system compromise.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the chrome browser's renderer component failing to properly validate input data before accessing memory locations that have already been freed. When processing malicious html content, the browser allocates memory for input processing and subsequently frees it without proper nullification or validation checks. Attackers can manipulate the timing and execution flow to reuse these freed memory regions, potentially allowing them to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges. This represents a sophisticated exploitation technique that leverages existing process compromise to break out of chrome's sandboxing mechanisms.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation as it directly undermines chrome's core security model designed to isolate renderer processes from system resources. Attackers who successfully exploit this flaw can potentially escape the browser sandbox and gain access to underlying operating system functionalities, file systems, and network resources that should normally be restricted within the browser environment. This capability significantly increases the potential damage scope for malicious actors who have already achieved initial compromise through other means such as phishing attacks or drive-by downloads.
The attack vector for this vulnerability requires a compromised renderer process, meaning attackers must first establish initial access through techniques like cross-site scripting or malicious website delivery before leveraging this specific use-after-free flaw. This creates an interesting attack chain where the vulnerability serves as a privilege escalation mechanism rather than an initial access point. The chromium security severity classification of high reflects the significant risk posed by this vulnerability when combined with existing compromise capabilities, as it enables attackers to move laterally within compromised systems and potentially establish persistent access.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability primarily focus on immediate browser updates to versions 150.0.7871.186 and later, which contain the necessary memory management fixes and validation checks to prevent the use-after-free condition. System administrators should also implement additional security measures including regular browser updates, network-based protections such as content filtering solutions, and user education about phishing risks. The fix implemented by google addresses the root cause through improved memory lifecycle management and enhanced input validation in the renderer process, preventing reuse of freed memory regions while maintaining normal browser functionality.
This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper memory management in modern web browsers where millions of users interact with potentially malicious content daily. The attack pattern aligns with several tactics described in the mitre att&ck framework including privilege escalation and sandbox evasion techniques that target application-level security controls. Organizations should maintain comprehensive patch management programs to ensure timely deployment of browser security updates, particularly for enterprise environments where user access to internet resources is extensive. The resolution of this vulnerability underscores the ongoing need for robust security testing and code review practices in complex software systems like web browsers that handle diverse input sources and execute with elevated privileges.