CVE-2026-79045 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE • 08/26/2026
Type confusion in V8 in Google Chrome prior to 152.0.7977.65 allowed a remote attacker leveraging social engineering to read memory inside the sandbox via a crafted HTML page. (Chromium security severity: Low)
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/26/2026
The vulnerability identified as a type confusion flaw within the V8 JavaScript engine, which powers Google Chrome prior to version 152.0.7977.65, represents a critical memory safety issue that undermines the browser's sandboxing mechanisms. Type confusions occur when an application incorrectly interprets the data type of a variable or object in memory, leading to operations being performed on data structures as if they were a different type than intended. In this specific instance, the flaw resides within V8’s handling of JavaScript objects and their underlying C++ representations during execution. When a crafted HTML page is processed by the browser, it triggers code paths where the engine fails to properly validate or cast object types before accessing memory offsets associated with those objects. This discrepancy allows an attacker who has successfully tricked a user into visiting a malicious webpage via social engineering techniques to manipulate how V8 interprets specific heap allocations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant because it enables arbitrary read access within the browser’s sandbox environment. Modern browsers rely on strict isolation between web content and system resources, often referred to as the sandbox, to prevent compromised websites from accessing sensitive user data or host operating system files. By exploiting the type confusion, an attacker can bypass these protections and perform memory reads that extend beyond the intended boundaries of a JavaScript object. This capability allows for the exfiltration of confidential information stored in adjacent memory locations, such as session cookies, authentication tokens, or other private data belonging to the victim. Although classified with a low security severity by Chromium maintainers, likely due to the complexity required to reliably exploit this flaw and the presence of mitigating factors like ASLR (Address Space Layout Randomization) and DEP/NX (Data Execution Prevention), it still poses a tangible risk to user privacy and data integrity.
From a classification perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-843, which describes Accessing Memory with Incorrect Type or Size, specifically falling under the sub-category of type confusion that leads to information disclosure. In terms of offensive security frameworks, such as MITRE ATT&CK, this exploit technique relates to T1059, Command and Control via Application Layer Protocol, when used in conjunction with further exploitation steps, but more directly maps to techniques involving memory corruption for data exfiltration. The attack vector is classified as remote because it requires no prior access or authentication on the target system, relying instead on the victim’s interaction with a malicious web page. This highlights the persistent challenge browsers face in maintaining robust isolation boundaries against sophisticated script-based attacks that abuse engine-level logic errors.
To mitigate this risk, users must ensure they are running Google Chrome version 152.0.7977.65 or later, where these type confusion issues have been addressed through rigorous code reviews and fuzzing efforts by the Chromium security team. Organizations should enforce automatic update policies to minimize exposure windows for end-users who may be targeted via social engineering campaigns. Additionally, deploying browser hardening techniques such as disabling JavaScript execution on untrusted sites using enterprise policy configurations can reduce the attack surface. Security awareness training remains crucial in this context, as the primary delivery mechanism involves convincing users to visit malicious URLs that host the exploit code. Continuous monitoring for unusual network traffic patterns resulting from potential data exfiltration attempts can also aid in detecting successful exploitation of such vulnerabilities before significant damage occurs.