CVE-2026-17808 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE • 07/30/2026
Uninitialized Use in WebGL in Google Chrome on Android prior to 151.0.7922.72 allowed a remote attacker to leak cross-origin data via a crafted HTML page. (Chromium security severity: Medium)
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/30/2026
This vulnerability represents an uninitialized memory access flaw within the WebGL implementation of Google Chrome on Android platforms, specifically affecting versions prior to 151.0.7922.72. The issue stems from improper initialization of memory structures within the graphics processing pipeline, creating a potential information disclosure vector that could be exploited by remote attackers. The vulnerability falls under the category of uninitialized variable usage, which is classified as CWE-457 in the Common Weakness Enumeration catalog, representing a fundamental flaw in memory management practices where variables are used without proper initialization. The exploitation occurs through crafted HTML pages that leverage WebGL's graphics capabilities to trigger the uninitialized memory access pattern, enabling attackers to read data from adjacent memory locations that may contain cross-origin information. This type of vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for web shell execution and T1566 for spearphishing attachments, as it can be delivered through malicious web content.
The technical impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple memory access issues, as it creates a pathway for cross-origin data leakage that could expose sensitive information from other domains or applications running within the same browser context. WebGL implementations are particularly susceptible to such flaws due to their complex interaction with graphics hardware and memory management systems, where improper handling of uninitialized variables can lead to information disclosure through side-channel attacks. The medium severity classification indicates that while exploitation requires specific conditions and user interaction through a malicious webpage, the potential for data leakage makes it a significant concern for privacy and security. Attackers could craft HTML pages containing WebGL code that deliberately triggers memory access patterns to extract cross-origin data, potentially including cookies, session tokens, or other sensitive information stored in nearby memory locations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability affects users of Android devices running affected Chrome versions, creating a persistent risk for web-based attacks that can compromise user privacy and data security. Organizations relying on Chrome for mobile browsing or enterprise applications may face increased risk of data leakage through malicious web content delivery. The vulnerability's remote exploitation capability means that attackers do not require physical access to the device or network privileges, making it particularly dangerous in environments where users frequently browse untrusted websites. Users who regularly access potentially malicious websites or receive phishing emails containing crafted HTML content could inadvertently expose their cross-origin browsing data without any visible signs of compromise. This type of information disclosure vulnerability can be particularly damaging when combined with other attack vectors, as the leaked data might provide attackers with additional context for more sophisticated attacks.
Mitigation strategies should prioritize immediate patching of affected Chrome versions to 151.0.7922.72 or later, which includes memory initialization fixes and improved WebGL implementation safeguards. Browser vendors recommend enabling automatic updates where possible, as these patches typically address multiple security concerns beyond the specific uninitialized memory access issue. Network administrators should consider implementing web filtering solutions that can block known malicious domains and monitor for suspicious WebGL-based content. Additionally, users should be educated about the risks of visiting untrusted websites and opening email attachments from unknown sources, as these remain primary attack vectors for delivering malicious WebGL content. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper memory management in graphics APIs and suggests that developers should implement comprehensive testing for uninitialized variable usage in graphics processing components. Security monitoring should include detection of unusual WebGL activity patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, particularly when such activities occur in conjunction with cross-origin requests or data access patterns.