CVE-2026-4443 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE • 03/20/2026
Heap buffer overflow in WebAudio in Google Chrome prior to 146.0.7680.153 allowed a remote attacker to execute arbitrary code inside a sandbox via a crafted HTML page. (Chromium security severity: High)
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/25/2026
This vulnerability represents a critical heap buffer overflow in the WebAudio component of Google Chrome, specifically affecting versions prior to 146.0.7680.153. The flaw resides within the browser's handling of audio processing capabilities that are exposed through web APIs, creating an opportunity for remote code execution within the browser's sandboxed environment. The vulnerability is classified as high severity by Chromium security standards, indicating its potential for significant impact and exploitation risk. The heap buffer overflow occurs when the WebAudio API processes malformed or crafted audio data, leading to memory corruption that can be leveraged by attackers to gain unauthorized code execution privileges.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves improper bounds checking within the WebAudio subsystem where audio buffer data is processed and manipulated. When a malicious webpage loads and attempts to manipulate audio buffers through JavaScript APIs such as AudioBuffer, ScriptProcessorNode, or other WebAudio interfaces, the application fails to validate input boundaries properly. This allows attackers to write data beyond the allocated heap memory boundaries, potentially overwriting critical memory structures including function pointers, return addresses, or other control data. The overflow specifically targets heap memory regions where audio processing buffers are allocated, making it particularly dangerous in the context of browser-based exploitation where attackers can craft malicious audio content to trigger the vulnerability.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple remote code execution, as it represents a complete bypass of Chrome's security model through sandbox escape techniques. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the browser process, potentially leading to full system compromise. The sandbox isolation that normally protects users from malicious code execution becomes ineffective when such a vulnerability exists within the browser's core components. This allows attackers to bypass typical security mitigations including address space layout randomization, data execution prevention, and other exploit mitigations that are normally effective against remote code execution attempts. The vulnerability can be triggered through standard web browsing activities, requiring no special user interaction beyond visiting a malicious website.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of affected Chrome versions to 146.0.7680.153 or later, as this represents the official fix provided by Google. Organizations should implement comprehensive browser update policies to ensure all users are protected against known vulnerabilities. Additional defensive measures include implementing web application firewalls that can detect and block malicious audio content, utilizing browser security extensions that provide additional sandboxing layers, and deploying network monitoring tools to detect exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, heap-based buffer overflow, and corresponds to attack techniques in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, as well as T1071.004 for application layer protocol. Security teams should also consider implementing exploit prevention measures such as controlling access to audio APIs through Content Security Policy directives and monitoring for unusual audio processing patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts.