CVE-2026-4457 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE • 03/20/2026
Type Confusion in V8 in Google Chrome prior to 146.0.7680.153 allowed a remote attacker to potentially exploit heap corruption 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 type confusion issue within the V8 JavaScript engine used in Google Chrome browsers prior to version 146.0.7680.153. The flaw manifests as a heap corruption vulnerability that can be exploited remotely through maliciously crafted HTML pages, making it particularly dangerous for web-based attacks. Type confusion occurs when the JavaScript engine incorrectly handles type information during runtime operations, leading to memory corruption that can be leveraged by attackers to execute arbitrary code.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper type handling within V8's memory management system where the engine fails to properly validate type consistency during object operations. When processing crafted HTML content, the engine may incorrectly interpret memory locations as different data types than what they actually contain, creating opportunities for attackers to manipulate heap memory structures. This type confusion directly relates to CWE-479 which specifically addresses the improper handling of type information in program execution, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for JavaScript-based execution. The vulnerability's classification as High severity by Chromium security team indicates significant risk to user systems.
Operationally, this vulnerability enables remote code execution attacks that can compromise user systems without requiring any user interaction beyond visiting a malicious webpage. Attackers can craft HTML pages that trigger the type confusion during JavaScript execution, potentially leading to full system compromise. The heap corruption aspect means that attackers can manipulate memory layout to inject and execute malicious code, bypassing typical security mitigations. This vulnerability particularly affects users who browse the web with older Chrome versions, making it a prime target for exploitation in real-world scenarios. The remote exploitation capability makes it especially concerning as it can be delivered through phishing campaigns, malicious advertisements, or compromised websites.
Mitigation strategies should prioritize immediate browser updates to version 146.0.7680.153 or later, which contain the necessary patches to address the type confusion vulnerability. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management procedures to ensure all Chrome installations are updated promptly. Additional protective measures include enabling Chrome's built-in security features such as sandboxing, site isolation, and automatic updates. Network administrators should consider implementing web filtering solutions and monitoring for suspicious web traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's nature also suggests that attackers may leverage other techniques such as information disclosure or privilege escalation once initial access is gained, making layered security approaches essential for comprehensive protection against this and related threats.