CVE-2026-16806 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE • 07/24/2026
Use after free in WebMCP in Google Chrome prior to 150.0.7871.186 allowed a remote attacker to execute arbitrary code inside a sandbox 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 in the WebMCP component of Google Chrome, specifically affecting versions prior to 150.0.7871.186. The flaw occurs within the browser's sandboxing mechanism where memory management fails to properly validate object lifetimes, creating opportunities for remote code execution. The vulnerability is classified as high severity by Chromium security standards due to its potential for arbitrary code execution within the restricted sandbox environment.
The technical implementation of this use-after-free stems from improper memory handling within WebMCP's object lifecycle management. When processing crafted HTML content, the system fails to maintain proper reference counting or object validity checks, allowing an attacker to manipulate freed memory locations and potentially overwrite critical function pointers or execute malicious code. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-416, which specifically addresses use-after-free conditions in memory management.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability enables remote attackers to bypass Chrome's sandbox protections through carefully constructed HTML pages that trigger the flawed memory management path. The attack vector requires only a user visiting a malicious webpage, making it particularly dangerous for widespread exploitation. The sandbox escape capability means that successful exploitation could lead to complete system compromise, as the attacker gains elevated privileges within the browser context where they would normally be restricted.
The implications extend beyond simple code execution as this vulnerability demonstrates weaknesses in Chrome's memory safety mechanisms and sandbox implementation. Attackers can leverage this flaw to perform privilege escalation attacks, access sensitive user data, or establish persistent backdoors on affected systems. The vulnerability underscores the importance of proper memory management practices and comprehensive testing of security boundaries within browser components.
Mitigation strategies should prioritize immediate patching of affected Chrome versions to 150.0.7871.186 or later, as this release contains the necessary fixes for the use-after-free condition. Organizations should also implement network-based protections such as content filtering and web application firewalls to block known malicious content until full patches are deployed. Browser hardening measures including disabling unnecessary features, implementing strict content security policies, and maintaining updated security configurations can further reduce exploitation risks.
This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter usage and T1068 for exploit for privilege escalation, as the initial compromise occurs through web-based exploitation followed by potential system-level access. The attack chain typically involves initial access through a malicious webpage, followed by exploitation of the memory corruption to achieve code execution within the browser sandbox, potentially leading to full system compromise.
Security researchers have noted that similar vulnerabilities in browser components often stem from inadequate input validation and insufficient memory management checks during object destruction phases. The remediation approach requires careful attention to proper memory deallocation procedures, implementation of robust reference counting systems, and comprehensive testing of edge cases involving asynchronous operations and object lifecycle management. Organizations should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify potential similar issues in their browser-based applications and ensure proper security testing protocols are implemented throughout the development lifecycle.
The incident highlights the ongoing challenges in maintaining secure browser implementations where complex memory management interactions can create exploitable conditions. Modern browser security requires continuous monitoring, rapid response capabilities, and comprehensive security testing frameworks to identify and remediate such vulnerabilities before they can be exploited in the wild. This particular vulnerability demonstrates how seemingly isolated memory management issues can have cascading effects on overall system security through sandbox escape mechanisms.