CVE-2026-7902 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE • 05/06/2026
Out of bounds memory access in V8 in Google Chrome prior to 148.0.7778.96 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 • 05/14/2026
This vulnerability represents a critical out-of-bounds memory access flaw in the V8 JavaScript engine used within Google Chrome browsers. The issue stems from improper bounds checking during memory operations, specifically within the V8 engine's handling of JavaScript objects and arrays. When processing maliciously crafted HTML content, the engine fails to validate array indices or object memory boundaries, allowing attackers to write beyond allocated memory regions. This fundamental memory safety violation creates a pathway for remote code execution within the browser's sandboxed environment, which is designed to isolate potentially malicious code from the underlying operating system. The vulnerability affects all Chrome versions prior to 148.0.7778.96, making it particularly concerning as it impacts a substantial user base. The Chromium security severity classification of High reflects the dangerous nature of this flaw, as it enables attackers to bypass the browser's security model without requiring user interaction beyond visiting a malicious webpage. This type of vulnerability typically falls under CWE-129, which addresses improper validation of array indices, and can be mapped to ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for JavaScript-based execution within the browser environment.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability involves crafting specific JavaScript code or HTML elements that trigger the memory corruption during normal browser operations. Attackers can leverage this flaw by constructing malicious web pages that, when loaded in the vulnerable Chrome version, cause the V8 engine to access memory locations outside of allocated buffers. The sandbox escape occurs because the memory corruption allows arbitrary code execution within the JavaScript context, which can then be used to escalate privileges or execute malicious payloads. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the fact that modern web browsers execute JavaScript in highly optimized environments where memory layout and access patterns are complex. This makes the exploitation more sophisticated and potentially more reliable than simpler buffer overflow attacks. The flaw essentially undermines the fundamental security model of modern browsers, where the JavaScript engine operates within a controlled environment to prevent system-level compromise.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple remote code execution to encompass potential data theft, system compromise, and persistent threat capabilities. Once an attacker successfully exploits this vulnerability, they can access sensitive user data, install malware, or maintain persistent access to the compromised system. The sandbox escape capability means that attackers can potentially bypass additional security layers including operating system protections, file system restrictions, and network access controls. Organizations using affected Chrome versions face significant risk as this vulnerability can be exploited through phishing campaigns, malicious advertisements, or compromised websites. The remediation process requires immediate browser updates, but the timeframe between vulnerability disclosure and exploitation creates a window of opportunity for threat actors. Security teams must also consider the broader implications for enterprise security, including the need to monitor for exploitation attempts and implement additional network-level protections.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability include immediate deployment of Chrome updates to version 148.0.7778.96 or later, which contain the necessary patches to address the memory bounds checking issue. Organizations should implement automated update mechanisms to ensure rapid deployment across all affected systems. Browser security policies can be enhanced through content security policy headers and sandbox configuration adjustments to limit potential exploitation vectors. Network monitoring solutions should be configured to detect suspicious JavaScript behavior patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. Security professionals should also consider implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems to identify and block malicious web content. The vulnerability highlights the importance of keeping browser software current, as these types of memory safety issues are often discovered and patched quickly after initial disclosure. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should include verification of browser versions and security configurations to ensure comprehensive protection against similar vulnerabilities.