CVE-2026-17898 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE • 07/30/2026
Use after free in DevTools in Google Chrome prior to 151.0.7922.72 allowed an attacker who convinced a user to install a malicious extension to execute arbitrary code inside a sandbox via a crafted Chrome Extension. (Chromium security severity: Low)
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/30/2026
This vulnerability represents a use-after-free condition in the DevTools component of Google Chrome, specifically affecting versions prior to 151.0.7922.72. The flaw occurs within the browser's developer tools functionality which is designed to provide debugging and development capabilities for web applications. When a malicious extension is installed and executed, this vulnerability allows an attacker to manipulate memory references that have already been freed, creating a scenario where arbitrary code execution can occur within the sandboxed environment of the browser. The technical nature of this issue stems from improper memory management practices where pointers are not properly invalidated after objects are destroyed, leading to potential exploitation through crafted extension code.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant despite its low chromium security severity classification, as it provides a pathway for privilege escalation within the browser's security model. Attackers can leverage this flaw by convincing users to install malicious extensions that contain specifically crafted code designed to trigger the use-after-free condition. Once triggered, the attacker gains the ability to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the sandboxed browser process, potentially leading to further exploitation or data compromise. The sandbox protection mechanism that normally isolates browser extensions is effectively bypassed through this memory corruption vulnerability.
The vulnerability aligns with common software security weaknesses documented under CWE-416, which describes the use of freed memory condition where a pointer continues to reference memory that has already been deallocated. From an adversarial perspective, this issue maps to attack techniques in the ATT&CK framework under T1552 and T1059, specifically targeting credential access and execution through malicious extensions. The exploitation pathway demonstrates how seemingly legitimate browser functionality can be weaponized when proper memory management controls are absent.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability involve immediate patching of Chrome installations to version 151.0.7922.72 or later, which contains the necessary memory management fixes. Organizations should also implement strict extension review processes and maintain updated browser security policies that limit extension permissions. Additionally, monitoring for suspicious extension installations and behavioral patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts can provide early detection capabilities. The fix typically involves implementing proper pointer invalidation after object deallocation and adding additional memory safety checks within the DevTools component to prevent access to freed memory regions.