CVE-2026-18017
Summary
by MITRE • 07/30/2026
Use after free in Dawn 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 use-after-free condition in the Dawn graphics library component within Google Chrome browser versions prior to 151.0.7922.72. The flaw occurs when the browser processes crafted HTML content that triggers improper memory management during graphics rendering operations. Dawn is a graphics abstraction layer used by Chrome for WebGL and other graphics APIs, making it a critical component in the browser's rendering pipeline. When malicious HTML content attempts to manipulate graphics objects through JavaScript or WebGL calls, the memory allocated to these objects can be freed while still being referenced elsewhere in the code execution path.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-416, which describes use-after-free conditions where memory is accessed after it has been freed. The issue manifests when the Dawn library fails to properly track object lifetimes during graphics operations, allowing an attacker to control the memory layout and potentially redirect execution flow. This particular flaw exists in the sandboxed environment of Chrome's renderer process, where graphics rendering occurs, but the remote code execution capability extends beyond typical sandbox boundaries due to improper memory handling.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it enables remote code execution with low user interaction requirements. An attacker need only convince a victim to visit a malicious webpage containing crafted HTML and JavaScript that triggers the vulnerable Dawn component. The exploit chain typically involves creating graphics objects through WebGL APIs, manipulating them in ways that cause memory deallocation, and then exploiting the freed memory before it gets reallocated for malicious purposes. This attack vector represents a classic sandbox escape scenario where the privilege escalation occurs through improper memory management rather than direct exploitation of browser components.
The mitigation strategies include immediate browser updates to versions 151.0.7922.72 or later where the use-after-free condition has been patched. Organizations should also implement network-level protections such as content filtering and web application firewalls that can detect and block known malicious HTML patterns. Browser hardening measures including strict memory management policies, heap randomization, and enhanced sandboxing controls provide additional defense layers. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to T1059.007 for execution through scripting and T1566 for initial access via web-based attacks, while the exploitation technique aligns with T1070.004 for bypassing defenses through memory corruption methods. Administrators should also consider implementing monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous graphics rendering behavior or memory allocation patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts.