CVE-2026-79188 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE • 08/26/2026
Out of bounds write in ANGLE in Google Chrome 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 as an out-of-bounds write within the ANGLE graphics library in versions of Google Chrome prior to 152.0.7977.65 represents a critical memory safety failure that undermines the browser's sandboxing mechanisms. ANGLE, which stands for Almost Native Graphics Layer Engine, serves as a translation layer between web applications and native GPU drivers, converting OpenGL ES calls into DirectX or Metal APIs depending on the host operating system. This component is fundamental to rendering complex graphics in modern web browsers, including those used by WebGL-enabled sites. When an out-of-bounds write occurs within this library, it indicates that the software has written data to a memory location beyond the boundaries of the allocated buffer. In the context of browser security, such errors are particularly dangerous because they can lead to arbitrary code execution if the attacker can control the content and size of the write operation relative to adjacent memory structures.
The technical flaw stems from improper validation of array indices or pointer arithmetic during graphics processing operations initiated by a maliciously crafted HTML page. An attacker could construct a webpage containing specific WebGL shaders, textures, or draw calls that trigger this boundary violation within ANGLE's internal data handling routines. By carefully crafting the input to cause an overflow into adjacent memory regions, the attacker can overwrite critical control structures such as function pointers, return addresses, or object headers. This manipulation allows for precise control over program execution flow, effectively bypassing standard mitigations like stack canaries and non-executable stacks if the overwritten data falls within executable segments or is used to hijack control flow in a way that circumvents these protections. The severity of this issue is classified as high because it directly impacts the integrity of the browser's security model, allowing remote code execution without user interaction beyond visiting the malicious site.
From an operational impact perspective, successful exploitation enables a remote attacker to execute arbitrary commands on the victim's system with the privileges of the current user. This can lead to full system compromise, including data theft, installation of malware, or use of the device as part of a botnet. The presence of sandboxing in Chrome is designed to limit the damage from such exploits by restricting access to sensitive operating system resources. However, out-of-bounds writes that escape the sandbox boundary represent a significant escalation of privilege within the attack chain. If the vulnerability allows for arbitrary write primitives or information disclosure alongside execution, it may facilitate further exploitation steps to break out of the renderer process and gain control over higher-privilege processes. This underscores the importance of robust memory safety in core rendering components that handle untrusted web content.
Industry standards classify this type of flaw under CWE-787: Out-of-bounds Write, which describes writing data outside the bounds of a buffer, potentially leading to code execution or denial of service. In terms of attack tactics, this vulnerability aligns with MITRE ATT&CK techniques related to initial access and privilege escalation, specifically leveraging software vulnerabilities for remote code execution. The exploitation vector is classified as network-based via the web browser interface, making it accessible through standard HTTP/HTTPS protocols without requiring local physical access or prior authentication.
Mitigation strategies primarily involve updating Google Chrome to version 152.0.7977.65 or later, where these memory safety issues have been addressed by developers through rigorous code review and automated fuzzing techniques. Organizations should ensure that endpoint protection platforms are configured to detect anomalous behavior associated with exploit attempts, such as unusual memory access patterns in browser processes. Additionally, enabling sandboxed iframes for untrusted content can provide an additional layer of isolation, although the primary defense remains keeping all software components up to date with security patches released by vendors. Regular auditing of third-party libraries like ANGLE and ensuring they are integrated correctly within the application architecture is also crucial for maintaining long-term security posture against similar memory corruption vulnerabilities.