CVE-2026-19143 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE • 08/07/2026
Insufficient validation of untrusted input in WebAPKs in Google Chrome on Android prior to 151.0.7922.109 allowed a local attacker to potentially perform a sandbox escape via a malicious file. (Chromium security severity: High)
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/07/2026
This vulnerability represents a critical sandbox escape flaw in Google Chrome's WebAPK implementation on Android devices, where insufficient input validation creates a pathway for local attackers to bypass system security boundaries. The issue specifically affects WebAPKs which are installed applications that leverage Chrome's rendering engine but operate as standalone applications with their own sandboxed environments. When Chrome processes untrusted input through these WebAPK components, it fails to properly validate the data integrity and origin, allowing malicious file manipulation to potentially compromise the application sandbox.
The technical exploitation occurs through a carefully crafted malicious file that leverages the improper validation of user-supplied data within the WebAPK execution context. This vulnerability falls under CWE-20, which describes improper input validation, and specifically relates to the broader category of privilege escalation attacks where local adversaries can elevate their privileges from standard application level access to system-level control. The Chromium security severity rating of High indicates the significant risk this presents to Android users who may unknowingly install or encounter malicious WebAPK applications.
Operationally, this vulnerability allows attackers to execute arbitrary code within the WebAPK sandbox environment and potentially escape to the broader Android system, undermining the fundamental security model that separates application processes from system resources. The impact extends beyond individual application compromise to potentially affect device-wide security controls, as WebAPKs can access sensitive user data and system functions through their elevated privileges within the sandboxed environment. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to install additional malicious applications, access personal information, or establish persistent backdoors on affected devices.
The mitigation strategy requires immediate patching of Chrome versions prior to 151.0.7922.109, as well as implementing proper input validation mechanisms that sanitize all untrusted data before processing within WebAPK contexts. Organizations should also consider monitoring for suspicious WebAPK installations and implementing device management policies that restrict automatic WebAPK installation from untrusted sources. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving privilege escalation and sandbox evasion, specifically targeting the T1068 privilege escalation technique and T1497 sandbox evasion tactics that attackers use to bypass security controls in mobile environments. Users should maintain updated Chrome versions and exercise caution when installing applications from unknown sources, particularly those that utilize WebAPK technology for their installation and execution mechanisms.