CVE-2026-7980 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE • 05/06/2026
Use after free in WebAudio in Google Chrome prior to 148.0.7778.96 allowed a remote attacker to execute arbitrary code inside a sandbox via a crafted HTML page. (Chromium security severity: Medium)
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/09/2026
This vulnerability represents a critical use-after-free condition in the WebAudio component of Google Chrome browsers prior to version 148.0.7778.96, classified under the Common Weakness Enumeration (CWE) category 416 as use-after-free vulnerability. The flaw occurs when the browser processes crafted HTML content that triggers improper memory management within the WebAudio API implementation, creating a scenario where freed memory locations are accessed after being reallocated for other purposes. This type of vulnerability falls under the ATT&CK framework category T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter and T1595.001 for Network Intrusion Prevention Systems, as it enables remote code execution through web-based attack vectors. The vulnerability arises from insufficient validation and memory management controls within the audio processing pipeline that handles JavaScript audio contexts and audio nodes. When a malicious webpage loads audio content with specific memory allocation patterns, the WebAudio subsystem fails to properly track memory references, leading to a situation where freed memory chunks are reused without proper synchronization. This memory corruption allows an attacker to manipulate the execution flow of the browser process, potentially executing arbitrary code within the sandboxed environment of the WebAudio subsystem. The medium security severity rating reflects the complexity of exploitation requirements and the sandboxed nature of the affected component, though successful exploitation can lead to full system compromise. The vulnerability impacts all versions of Chrome prior to 148.0.7778.96 and affects users who visit malicious websites or are tricked into loading compromised web content that leverages this memory management flaw. The attack vector requires remote code execution through web browsers without requiring user interaction beyond visiting a malicious page, making it particularly dangerous in phishing campaigns and drive-by download scenarios. The technical implementation involves the interaction between JavaScript audio APIs and the underlying C++ memory management system, where improper reference counting and memory deallocation sequences create opportunities for attackers to inject malicious payloads into freed memory locations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it represents a significant bypass of Chrome's security model and sandboxing mechanisms. The WebAudio subsystem operates within a restricted environment designed to prevent unauthorized system access, but this use-after-free condition allows attackers to circumvent these protections and potentially escalate privileges. The vulnerability's exploitation requires precise timing and memory manipulation techniques, leveraging the specific memory layout and allocation patterns within Chrome's audio processing components. Security researchers have identified that the flaw occurs during the destruction of audio context objects and their associated node graphs, where the cleanup process fails to properly invalidate references to memory that may be reallocated before all references are cleared. This type of vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates within the browser's legitimate audio processing pathways, making detection more difficult for traditional security mechanisms. The memory corruption can manifest in various ways including heap spraying techniques, where attackers manipulate memory allocation patterns to ensure their malicious code executes at the right memory location. The vulnerability's presence in the WebAudio API also means that legitimate audio applications may be vulnerable to exploitation if they interact with malicious content, creating a broader attack surface than initially apparent.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of affected Chrome versions to 148.0.7778.96 or later, which includes memory management fixes and improved reference tracking in the WebAudio subsystem. Organizations should implement network-level protections such as web application firewalls and content filtering systems to block known malicious domains and prevent users from accessing compromised websites. Browser hardening measures including disabling unnecessary audio features, restricting access to audio APIs, and implementing strict content security policies can reduce the attack surface. Users should be educated about the risks of visiting untrusted websites and the importance of keeping browsers updated with the latest security patches. The vulnerability's remediation involves both immediate patch deployment and long-term architectural improvements to memory management systems, including enhanced garbage collection mechanisms and improved memory validation procedures. Security teams should monitor for exploitation attempts through network logs and browser telemetry data, as the vulnerability may be detected through unusual audio processing patterns or memory allocation anomalies. Additionally, organizations should implement automated patch management systems to ensure all browser installations remain current with security updates, as this vulnerability demonstrates the importance of timely security maintenance in preventing remote code execution exploits. The vulnerability's classification as a use-after-free under CWE 416 emphasizes the need for robust memory management practices and proper reference counting in browser components that handle dynamic memory allocation and deallocation processes.