CVE-2026-17989
Summary
by MITRE • 07/30/2026
Type Confusion in V8 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: Low)
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/30/2026
This vulnerability represents a type confusion flaw within the V8 JavaScript engine used in Google Chrome versions prior to 151.0.7922.72, classified under CWE-466 as improper handling of data types during runtime operations. The vulnerability occurs when the engine fails to properly validate or distinguish between different data types during execution, creating a scenario where an attacker can manipulate object references and force the system into executing unintended code paths. The flaw specifically manifests in how V8 manages memory objects and their associated type information, allowing malicious input to bypass normal type checking mechanisms that should prevent such transitions.
The attack vector involves a remote attacker crafting a malicious HTML page that leverages specific JavaScript operations to trigger the type confusion condition. When Chrome processes this crafted content, the V8 engine's improper type handling allows an attacker to manipulate object layouts and execute arbitrary code within the browser's sandboxed environment. This represents a significant bypass of Chrome's security model since the sandbox protection is designed to isolate potentially malicious code execution from the underlying system. The vulnerability demonstrates how insufficient input validation and type checking in high-performance JavaScript engines can create dangerous attack surfaces.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it allows attackers to circumvent multiple layers of browser security including the sandbox mechanism, process isolation, and memory protection features. Attackers could potentially use this flaw to escalate privileges, access sensitive user data, or perform further exploitation within the compromised browser environment. The low severity classification from Chromium does not reflect the actual risk level since successful exploitation can result in complete browser compromise and potential system access. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for JavaScript and VBScript execution while also mapping to T1203 for exploitation of software vulnerabilities.
Mitigation strategies must include immediate patching of Chrome installations to version 151.0.7922.72 or later, as this resolves the underlying type confusion issue in V8's memory management routines. Organizations should also implement additional security measures such as strict content filtering, sandbox hardening, and monitoring for unusual JavaScript behavior patterns. Browser security enhancements like Address Space Layout Randomization (ASLR), Data Execution Prevention (DEP), and Control Flow Integrity (CFI) should be enabled to make exploitation more difficult even if the vulnerability remains unpatched. Regular security assessments of web applications and user education regarding suspicious website content can also reduce the attack surface for such exploits. The vulnerability highlights the importance of robust type checking mechanisms in high-performance interpreters and the critical need for continuous security auditing of core browser components.