CVE-2026-85050 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE • 09/03/2026
Out of bounds write in WebGL in Google Chrome on on Android prior to 152.0.7977.82 allowed a remote attacker to execute arbitrary code outside the sandbox via a crafted HTML page. (Chromium security severity: High)
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/03/2026
The vulnerability described constitutes an out-of-bounds write flaw within the WebGL implementation of Google Chrome on Android, specifically affecting versions prior to 152.0.7977.82. This type of memory corruption error arises when a program writes data beyond the boundaries of allocated memory buffers without proper bounds checking or validation mechanisms in place. In the context of browser-based graphics rendering via WebGL, such flaws can occur during the processing of shader programs, texture uploads, or buffer operations where input parameters are not rigorously validated against expected limits. The severity is classified as high by Chromium security standards due to the potential for arbitrary code execution with elevated privileges relative to the sandboxed environment in which browser processes typically operate.
From a technical perspective, WebGL relies heavily on low-level graphics APIs like OpenGL ES or Vulkan to interface directly with hardware accelerators. When handling complex graphical operations, the engine must manage memory allocations dynamically based on user-defined parameters such as array sizes, texture dimensions, and buffer lengths. If these inputs are derived from external sources without adequate sanitization, an attacker can craft malicious HTML pages containing specially constructed JavaScript code that triggers WebGL functions to write data into unintended memory locations. This out-of-bounds write allows the attacker to overwrite adjacent memory structures, potentially modifying control flow data such as return addresses or function pointers stored in nearby heap regions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant because it enables remote attackers to execute arbitrary code outside the browser's sandbox. Modern browsers employ multiple layers of defense including address space layout randomization (ASLR), stack canaries, and strict process isolation to mitigate exploitation risks. However, successful exploitation of an out-of-bounds write in a privileged component like WebGL can bypass these protections by achieving memory corruption that leads to control flow hijacking. Once the attacker gains code execution capabilities within the browser context, they may escalate privileges further depending on system configurations and additional vulnerabilities present in the underlying operating system or sandbox mechanisms.
This vulnerability aligns with Common Weakness Enumeration (CWE) category CWE-787: Out-of-bounds Write, which describes situations where a write operation targets memory outside the intended buffer boundary. It also relates to ATT&CK technique T1059.007: JavaScript, as attackers often utilize crafted web pages containing malicious scripts to trigger such vulnerabilities in client-side applications. The exploitation path typically involves social engineering tactics combined with technical payload delivery through compromised or attacker-controlled websites designed specifically to exploit the identified flaw upon rendering by vulnerable browser versions.
Mitigation strategies primarily involve updating Google Chrome on Android devices to version 152.0.7977.82 or later, where these memory safety issues have been addressed through improved input validation and bounds checking routines within the WebGL engine. Organizations should enforce automated patch management policies to ensure timely deployment of security updates across all endpoints running affected software configurations. Additionally, implementing content security policies (CSP) can help restrict inline script execution and reduce exposure to drive-by download attacks that attempt to leverage such vulnerabilities. Security teams must remain vigilant regarding emerging browser-based exploits targeting graphics processing units and prioritize regular vulnerability assessments alongside proactive monitoring for indicators of compromise associated with memory corruption techniques.