CVE-2026-76045 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE • 08/19/2026
Use after free in WebGL in Google Chrome prior to 151.0.7922.169 allowed a remote attacker to execute arbitrary code inside the sandbox via a crafted HTML page. (Chromium security severity: High)
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/19/2026
The vulnerability identified as a use-after-free condition within the WebGL subsystem of Google Chrome prior to version 151.0.7922.169 represents a critical memory management error that compromises the integrity and confidentiality of the browser environment. This flaw arises when the application continues to reference a memory block after it has been freed, leading to undefined behavior that can be exploited by an attacker. In the context of WebGL, which handles complex graphics rendering through JavaScript APIs, such errors often occur during the lifecycle management of GPU resources or shader programs where pointers are not properly invalidated upon deallocation. This specific instance allows for arbitrary code execution within the browser sandbox, indicating a severe breach in isolation boundaries that protect user data and system stability from malicious web content.
From a technical perspective, use-after-free vulnerabilities typically stem from improper handling of object lifecycles, particularly when multiple references to an object exist but only one is responsible for its deletion. When the memory is returned to the heap allocator, it may be reused by another part of the program or even by attacker-controlled data injected via crafted HTML content. If the original reference remains active and attempts to access this now-invalidated memory region, the application may execute arbitrary instructions contained within that memory space. In WebGL contexts, this can involve manipulating shader programs, texture buffers, or framebuffers in ways that bypass standard security checks. The Chromium project has classified this issue with a High severity rating due to its potential for remote code execution without user interaction beyond visiting a malicious webpage.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it enables a remote attacker to execute arbitrary code inside the browser sandbox via a crafted HTML page. This means that users who visit a specially constructed website can trigger the memory corruption, potentially leading to full system compromise if additional exploitation techniques are employed to escape the sandbox environment. Such attacks undermine trust in web-based applications and pose risks including data theft, malware installation, and lateral movement within networked environments. The ability to execute code remotely makes this vulnerability particularly dangerous for enterprise deployments where employees may inadvertently access compromised sites during routine browsing activities.
To mitigate these risks, organizations should ensure that all instances of Google Chrome are updated to version 151.0.7922.169 or later as soon as possible. Patching is the primary defense against known vulnerabilities in software components like WebGL engines. Additionally, implementing strict content security policies can help restrict the types of scripts and resources loaded by web pages, reducing the attack surface available to potential exploiters. Deploying browser isolation technologies or sandboxed environments for untrusted web content further limits the impact of any successful exploitation attempt. Security teams should also monitor for indicators of compromise related to memory corruption events in logs and employ endpoint detection solutions capable of identifying anomalous behavior patterns associated with use-after-free exploits.
This vulnerability aligns with Common Weakness Enumeration identifier CWE-416, which describes Use After Free conditions as a class of software errors resulting from improper pointer management. It also maps to MITRE ATT&CK technique T1203, specifically the exploitation phase where attackers leverage vulnerabilities in applications to execute code on target systems. Understanding these mappings helps security professionals categorize and prioritize remediation efforts based on established industry standards for vulnerability classification and threat modeling. Continuous monitoring of browser updates and adherence to secure coding practices within internal web development teams are essential steps toward preventing similar issues from arising in custom-built web applications that rely heavily on WebGL functionality.