CVE-2026-19156 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE • 08/07/2026
Heap buffer overflow in Base in Google Chrome prior to 151.0.7922.109 allowed an attacker who convinced a user to install a malicious extension to potentially exploit heap corruption via a crafted Chrome Extension. (Chromium security severity: High)
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/07/2026
This vulnerability represents a critical heap buffer overflow condition within the base component of Google Chrome browsers running versions prior to 151.0.7922.109. The flaw occurs during the processing of malicious chrome extensions, specifically when handling memory allocation and deallocation operations in the browser's core infrastructure. The vulnerability stems from insufficient bounds checking mechanisms that fail to validate the size of data being written to heap-allocated memory regions, creating opportunities for attackers to manipulate memory layout through crafted extension payloads.
The technical exploitation pathway involves an attacker crafting a malicious chrome extension designed to trigger the buffer overflow condition during normal browser operation. When a victim installs and activates this extension, the malicious code executes within the browser's memory space, potentially allowing arbitrary code execution or memory corruption that could lead to full system compromise. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-121 heap-based buffer overflow classification, which represents one of the most common and dangerous categories of memory safety issues in software applications.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risk to users who may inadvertently install malicious extensions from untrusted sources or be tricked into installing harmful software through social engineering techniques. The attack vector leverages the trust model inherent in browser extension ecosystems where legitimate extensions are granted elevated privileges and access to user data. Successful exploitation could enable attackers to read sensitive information, modify browser behavior, or escalate privileges to gain deeper system access. The high severity rating from Chromium security team indicates the potential for remote code execution and system compromise.
The impact of this vulnerability extends beyond individual user exposure to broader ecosystem risks including potential data breaches and persistent threats that could remain undetected for extended periods. Organizations relying on chrome-based browsers for business operations face increased risk of targeted attacks through extension-based delivery mechanisms, particularly in environments where users have elevated privileges or access to sensitive corporate resources.
Mitigation strategies should prioritize immediate patching of affected chrome installations to version 151.0.7922.109 or later, as this represents the most effective defense against exploitation attempts. Administrators should implement strict extension installation policies and conduct regular security audits of browser extensions within organizational environments. Additional protective measures include enabling chrome's built-in security features such as extension verification, sandboxing, and restricted browsing modes. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of maintaining up-to-date software configurations and implementing layered security approaches that address both client-side and network-based attack vectors. Security teams should monitor for indicators of compromise related to known malicious extensions and maintain incident response procedures specifically addressing browser-based exploitation attempts. This case exemplifies the ongoing challenges in browser security where vulnerabilities in core components can provide attackers with powerful footholds within user environments, reinforcing the need for continuous security monitoring and proactive patch management practices.