CVE-2026-7913 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE • 05/06/2026
Insufficient policy enforcement in DevTools in Google Chrome on Android prior to 148.0.7778.96 allowed a local attacker to perform privilege escalation via a malicious file. (Chromium security severity: High)
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/14/2026
This vulnerability represents a critical privilege escalation flaw in Google Chrome's DevTools implementation on Android platforms. The issue stems from insufficient policy enforcement mechanisms that fail to properly validate file access permissions during DevTools operations. A local attacker with malicious file manipulation capabilities can exploit this weakness to elevate their privileges within the browser environment. The vulnerability specifically affects Chrome versions prior to 148.0.7778.96, indicating a targeted window of exposure for affected devices. The flaw operates at the intersection of browser security boundaries where DevTools functionality should maintain strict access controls but fails to enforce them adequately.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the improper handling of file system operations within Chrome's DevTools interface on Android devices. When DevTools processes malicious files, the underlying policy enforcement mechanisms do not sufficiently validate whether the requesting process has appropriate authorization levels. This creates an attack vector where local adversaries can craft specific file content that triggers unintended privilege escalation behaviors. The vulnerability manifests through the browser's internal permission model where DevTools components should operate under restricted contexts but instead allow elevated access through flawed validation logic. This represents a classic case of inadequate access control enforcement that violates fundamental security principles.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability enables local attackers to gain elevated privileges within the Chrome browser environment, potentially allowing them to access sensitive user data, execute arbitrary code, or perform actions beyond normal user permissions. The attack requires local system access and the ability to place malicious files, making it suitable for sophisticated threat actors who can establish a foothold on target devices. The high severity classification reflects the potential for significant compromise, as successful exploitation can lead to complete browser session takeover or access to user data stored within the browser. This vulnerability particularly affects Android users who may be targeted through various attack vectors including malicious app installations or file manipulation.
The security implications align with CWE-284 Access Control Issues, specifically addressing insufficient enforcement of access control policies within browser components. The vulnerability also maps to ATT&CK technique T1068 Privilege Escalation, where adversaries leverage application flaws to gain elevated system privileges. Mitigation strategies should focus on updating Chrome to version 148.0.7778.96 or later, which includes patched policy enforcement mechanisms. Organizations should implement additional monitoring for suspicious file access patterns and consider restricting DevTools functionality in enterprise environments where such vulnerabilities could be exploited. Device hardening measures including regular security updates, application whitelisting, and user access controls can provide additional defense layers against exploitation attempts. The fix addresses the core policy enforcement gap by strengthening validation checks and ensuring proper access control boundaries are maintained during DevTools operations.