CVE-2026-79290 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE • 08/26/2026
Use after free in Aura in Google Chrome 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 flaw within the Aura component of Google Chrome prior to version 152.0.7977.65 represents a critical memory management error that compromises the integrity and confidentiality of user data by allowing remote code execution outside the browser's sandbox environment. This specific defect occurs when the application continues to reference a pointer to a memory block after that block has been freed, leading to undefined behavior during subsequent operations on that dangling pointer. In the context of Aura, which is responsible for window management and compositing in Chromium-based browsers, such an error can be triggered through complex interactions involving rendered content and UI elements, creating a pathway for attackers to manipulate memory states in ways that bypass standard security controls.
From a technical perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-416, Use After Free, which is categorized as a high-severity issue due to its potential for exploitation across various platforms and contexts. The attack vector involves the delivery of a crafted HTML page containing malicious JavaScript or embedded content that exploits the timing window between memory deallocation and subsequent access. By carefully crafting the payload, an attacker can achieve arbitrary code execution within the context of the browser process. This is particularly dangerous because it allows the exploitation to occur outside the sandbox, which is designed to isolate untrusted web content from sensitive system resources. The ability to escape this isolation significantly elevates the severity of the issue, as it grants the attacker a level of control that can lead to full system compromise rather than just browser-level disruption.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond immediate code execution, potentially enabling persistent access and lateral movement within an organization's network if users are tricked into visiting malicious sites. Attackers leveraging this flaw could install malware, steal sensitive information such as credentials or financial data, or use the compromised machine as a pivot point for further attacks. The critical severity rating assigned by Chromium security reflects the ease with which this vulnerability can be exploited and its significant potential to undermine user trust in browser safety mechanisms. It underscores the importance of timely patching and proactive monitoring for indicators of compromise associated with memory corruption exploits targeting web browsers.
Mitigation strategies primarily involve updating Google Chrome to version 152.0.7977.65 or later, where this use-after-free condition has been resolved through improved memory management practices and stricter validation checks before pointer dereferencing. Organizations should enforce automated update policies for all endpoints running affected versions of the browser to minimize exposure windows. Additionally, implementing application whitelisting and restricting script execution in untrusted environments can provide an additional layer of defense against exploitation attempts. Security teams are also advised to monitor network traffic for unusual outbound connections or processes that may indicate successful exploitation of this vulnerability, ensuring rapid incident response capabilities are in place should a breach occur.