CVE-2026-79150 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE • 08/26/2026
Use after free in Views in Google Chrome on on Mac prior to 152.0.7977.65 allowed a remote attacker to execute arbitrary code outside the sandbox via a crafted HTML page. (Chromium security severity: Critical)
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/26/2026
The vulnerability identified as a use-after-free error within Google Chrome's Views component on macOS represents a critical memory management flaw that compromises the integrity of the browser's execution environment. This specific defect arises when an object is accessed after its memory has been deallocated, typically due to improper handling of pointers or references in complex user interface rendering logic. In the context of Chromium-based browsers, such errors are particularly dangerous because they can lead to arbitrary code execution if exploited with sufficient precision by a malicious actor. The severity rating of Critical underscores the potential for this flaw to be leveraged in active attacks against end-users who visit compromised web pages or click on malicious links containing crafted HTML content designed to trigger the erroneous memory access pattern.
From a technical perspective, use-after-free vulnerabilities occur when a program continues to use a pointer after it has been freed, leading to undefined behavior that can include crashes, data corruption, and potentially remote code execution. In Chrome's Views component, which is responsible for rendering various parts of the browser interface including tabs, toolbars, and other UI elements, improper lifecycle management could allow an attacker to manipulate heap memory structures. By crafting a specific HTML page with embedded scripts or objects that trigger this condition during rendering, an adversary can overwrite adjacent memory regions with controlled data. This manipulation allows the injection of shellcode or redirection of execution flow to malicious payloads located elsewhere in memory, effectively bypassing standard security controls and achieving arbitrary code execution within the browser process context.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe due to its potential for remote exploitation without user interaction beyond visiting a webpage. Attackers can distribute malicious HTML pages through phishing campaigns, compromised websites, or drive-by download techniques. Once executed, the payload operates outside the sandbox boundaries that typically restrict Chrome processes from accessing sensitive system resources. This breach allows the attacker to read, modify, or delete files on the victim's Mac, install additional malware, establish persistent access, and potentially pivot into internal networks if the compromised machine is part of a larger infrastructure. The ability to execute code outside the sandbox significantly escalates the risk profile from simple data theft to full system compromise, impacting both individual users and enterprise environments relying on Chrome for secure browsing activities.
Mitigation strategies primarily involve applying the latest security patches released by Google in version 152.0.7977.65 or later, which address the underlying memory management issues within the Views component. Organizations should enforce automated update policies to ensure all endpoints are running patched versions of Chrome promptly after release. Additionally, implementing application whitelisting and restricting script execution on untrusted sites can reduce the attack surface by preventing malicious code from executing even if a vulnerability is present. Security teams should also monitor for indicators of compromise associated with exploitation attempts, such as unusual network connections or process injections originating from browser processes. Regular security awareness training helps users recognize phishing attempts that might deliver crafted HTML pages designed to exploit this flaw.
This vulnerability aligns with Common Weakness Enumeration (CWE) category CWE-416, which describes use after free errors where a pointer is used after its memory has been freed. It also maps to MITRE ATT&CK technique T1203, specifically the exploitation of software vulnerabilities for initial access or execution phases in attack chains. Understanding these mappings helps security professionals prioritize remediation efforts and integrate this knowledge into broader threat modeling exercises. By addressing such high-severity issues promptly, organizations can maintain robust defense-in-depth strategies that protect against sophisticated remote code execution attacks targeting widely deployed web browsers like Google Chrome on macOS platforms.