CVE-2026-17848 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE • 07/30/2026
Integer overflow in Codecs in Google Chrome prior to 151.0.7922.72 allowed a remote attacker to potentially perform a sandbox escape via a crafted video file. (Chromium security severity: Medium)
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/30/2026
This vulnerability represents a critical integer overflow condition within the media codecs component of google chrome browsers running versions prior to 151.0.7922.72. The flaw exists in how the browser processes multimedia content, specifically when handling crafted video files that trigger miscalculations in memory allocation parameters. When a malicious actor crafts a specially designed video file with manipulated metadata or frame dimensions, the integer overflow can cause unexpected behavior in memory management routines. This particular vulnerability falls under the common weakness enumeration CWE-190 which categorizes integer overflows and underflows as a significant class of software defects that can lead to memory corruption issues.
The technical execution of this vulnerability requires remote code execution through a malicious video file delivered via web content or embedded media elements. When chrome processes such crafted files, the overflow condition manifests during codec decoding operations where integer variables representing buffer sizes or frame dimensions exceed their maximum representable values. This overflow creates predictable memory layout changes that can be exploited to overwrite adjacent memory regions, potentially allowing attackers to manipulate execution flow. The attack vector leverages the browser's multimedia processing pipeline which operates within the renderer sandbox, making successful exploitation a potential sandbox escape scenario.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple media playback manipulation as it represents a pathway for privilege escalation through sandbox boundary violations. Successful exploitation could enable attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the chrome renderer process, potentially leading to full system compromise. The medium severity classification by chromium security team reflects the complexity required for successful exploitation, which typically involves multiple attack primitives including memory corruption techniques and precise control over the overflow conditions. This vulnerability affects all users of affected chrome versions and represents a persistent threat vector since it requires no user interaction beyond visiting a malicious webpage or opening a malicious file.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate browser updates to version 151.0.7922.72 or later, which contain patches addressing the integer overflow conditions in codec processing. Organizations should implement network-based controls such as content filtering and web application firewalls to block suspicious media content from untrusted sources. Additionally, users should enable chrome's built-in security features including sandboxing, automatic updates, and strict content security policies. The vulnerability demonstrates how multimedia processing components remain high-risk attack surfaces and highlights the importance of regular security updates and proper input validation in media handling libraries. Security teams should monitor for indicators of compromise related to crafted video files and implement defensive measures against known malicious payloads targeting this specific flaw.