CVE-2026-79069 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE • 08/26/2026
Memory corruption in Tint in Google Chrome on on Mac prior to 152.0.7977.65 allowed a remote attacker to potentially execute arbitrary code outside the sandbox via a crafted HTML page. (Chromium security severity: High)
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/26/2026
The vulnerability identified within the Tint compiler component of Google Chrome represents a critical memory corruption flaw that undermines the browser's core security architecture on macOS systems prior to version 152.0.7977.65. This issue stems from improper handling of data structures during the compilation and optimization phases, where specific edge cases in input processing lead to invalid memory operations such as buffer overflows or use-after-free conditions. Because Tint is responsible for translating shader code into executable machine instructions, flaws within this module can have severe consequences when triggered by maliciously crafted web content. The severity of this vulnerability is classified as high due to its potential to bypass the browser's sandboxing mechanisms, which are designed to isolate untrusted web pages from accessing sensitive system resources and executing arbitrary code with elevated privileges.
From a technical perspective, memory corruption vulnerabilities in compilers like Tint often arise when bounds checking is insufficient or incorrectly implemented during the translation of intermediate representation into native code. An attacker can exploit this flaw by constructing an HTML page that includes malicious JavaScript or WebGL shaders designed to trigger the specific condition causing the memory error. When Chrome processes this crafted content, the flawed logic allows for writing data beyond allocated buffer boundaries or accessing freed memory regions. This corruption can alter control flow data on the stack or heap, enabling the attacker to redirect program execution to shellcode injected into the process memory. The successful exploitation of this flaw results in arbitrary code execution within the context of the Chrome renderer process, which is typically sandboxed but may have specific permissions that allow for further escalation depending on the operating system configuration and browser settings.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data leakage or denial of service. By achieving remote code execution through a crafted HTML page, an attacker can effectively compromise the user's session integrity. This allows for actions such as stealing cookies, session tokens, and other sensitive authentication credentials stored within the browser profile. Furthermore, if the sandbox boundaries are breached due to the nature of the memory corruption or subsequent exploitation techniques like heap spraying combined with kernel exploits, the attacker may gain access to files outside the restricted environment. The presence of this flaw in versions prior to 152.0.7977.65 means that any user accessing malicious websites during this window is at significant risk of compromise without their knowledge or consent.
To mitigate the risks associated with this vulnerability, immediate action must be taken by updating Google Chrome to version 152.0.7977.65 or later on all macOS devices. This update contains patches that address the memory handling issues within the Tint compiler, ensuring proper bounds checking and validation of input data during shader compilation. Organizations should enforce automated browser update policies to ensure that endpoints remain protected against known exploits. Additionally, users can reduce their attack surface by disabling JavaScript in untrusted sites or using security extensions that block potentially malicious content before it is processed by the rendering engine. Monitoring for unusual network activity from Chrome processes and keeping operating system patches up to date further hardens the environment against exploitation attempts targeting this specific flaw.
This vulnerability aligns with Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-120, which describes buffer copy without checking size limits, a classic cause of memory corruption leading to code execution. In terms of tactical mapping within the MITRE ATT&CK framework, the initial access vector corresponds to T1189 Drive-by Compromise, where attackers rely on unsuspecting users visiting compromised or maliciously crafted web pages. The exploitation phase involves TA0004 Privilege Escalation and potentially TA0005 Defense Evasion if sandbox escape techniques are employed following the initial code execution. Understanding these classifications helps security teams prioritize patching efforts and monitor for indicators of compromise that match this specific attack chain, ensuring a robust defense against similar memory corruption vulnerabilities in web browsers.