CVE-2026-17751 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE • 07/30/2026
Inappropriate implementation in AdFilter in Google Chrome prior to 151.0.7922.72 allowed a remote attacker to execute arbitrary code inside a sandbox via a crafted HTML page. (Chromium security severity: Medium)
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/30/2026
The vulnerability in question represents a critical sandbox escape flaw within Google Chrome's AdFilter component that existed prior to version 151.0.7922.72. This issue stems from an inappropriate implementation that fails to properly validate or sanitize user-supplied input, creating a pathway for remote code execution within the browser's restricted environment. The flaw specifically affects the ad filtering mechanism that is designed to isolate potentially malicious advertisements from the main browsing context, yet this isolation proves insufficient when confronted with carefully crafted HTML content.
The technical nature of this vulnerability resides in how Chrome's AdFilter processes and handles malformed or specially constructed HTML elements that are intended for advertising content. When a remote attacker crafts an HTML page containing malicious payloads, the inadequate input validation within the ad filtering system allows these elements to bypass normal security boundaries. This represents a classic sandbox escape vector where the isolation mechanism designed to contain threats fails due to improper implementation of access controls and input sanitization routines. The vulnerability falls under the category of insufficient input validation as classified by CWE-20, which specifically addresses weaknesses in how software handles input data without proper validation mechanisms.
From an operational perspective, this medium severity vulnerability poses significant risks to users who browse the web without updated browser versions. Attackers can leverage this flaw by hosting malicious advertisements or embedding crafted HTML content that exploits the AdFilter implementation gap. The remote execution capability means that no local interaction is required from the user beyond visiting a compromised webpage, making it particularly dangerous for widespread exploitation. The sandbox environment that Chrome employs to isolate ad content becomes ineffective when this vulnerability is exploited, potentially allowing attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the browser process.
The security implications extend beyond simple code execution as this vulnerability undermines fundamental browser security principles. Modern browsers implement multiple layers of protection including sandboxing, privilege separation, and strict content validation to prevent malicious actors from compromising user systems. When a flaw exists in one of these critical components such as the ad filtering system, it creates cascading security risks that can lead to full system compromise. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059 which covers command and script interpreters, and potentially T1071 for application layer protocols as attackers may leverage this vulnerability through web-based attack vectors.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate browser updates to version 151.0.7922.72 or later where the AdFilter implementation has been corrected. Organizations should implement network-level protections including content filtering systems that can detect and block known malicious patterns in web advertisements. Additionally, browser hardening measures such as disabling unnecessary plugins and maintaining strict security policies can reduce the attack surface. Security teams should monitor for exploitation attempts through network traffic analysis and endpoint detection systems that can identify suspicious behavior patterns consistent with sandbox escape attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of continuous security auditing of browser components and highlights the critical need for robust input validation in all security-critical code paths.