CVE-2026-87481 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE • 09/09/2026
Incorrect authorization in WebView in Google Chrome on on Android prior to 153.0.8010.36 allowed a remote attacker who had compromised the renderer process to potentially execute arbitrary code outside the sandbox via a crafted HTML page. (Chromium security severity: Medium)
Statistical analysis made it clear that VulDB provides the best quality for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/09/2026
The vulnerability identified in Google Chrome for Android prior to version 153.0.8010.36 represents a critical failure in access control mechanisms within the WebView component, specifically classified under CWE-269 as Improper Privilege Management. This flaw allows an attacker who has already achieved code execution within the renderer process sandbox to escalate privileges and break out of that isolated environment. The core technical issue stems from insufficient validation or authorization checks when handling specific interactions between web content and native Android system components via WebView APIs. When a malicious HTML page is rendered, it can exploit this misconfiguration to invoke privileged methods or access resources that should be restricted to higher-privilege contexts, effectively bypassing the browser's security boundaries.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability enables remote code execution outside the sandbox if the user interacts with a crafted web page hosted by a malicious actor. While the initial entry point requires compromising the renderer process, which typically limits direct impact, the ability to escape the sandbox significantly increases the severity of the threat. Once outside the sandbox, the attacker gains access to system-level resources and data that are normally protected from web content. This can lead to unauthorized access to sensitive user information, installation of persistent malware, or further lateral movement within the device ecosystem. The Chromium security team has rated this issue as Medium severity, reflecting the complexity required for exploitation but acknowledging the high impact if successful due to the sandbox escape capability.
This type of vulnerability aligns with several tactics in the MITRE ATT&CK framework, particularly those related to privilege escalation and defense evasion. Attackers may leverage techniques such as process injection or API hooking within the renderer context before exploiting this authorization flaw to achieve broader system access. The lack of strict separation between web content execution contexts and native application permissions is a common challenge in hybrid app architectures like WebView implementations. Mitigating this risk requires not only applying the provided software update but also adhering to secure coding practices that enforce least privilege principles within embedded browser engines. Developers should ensure that all API calls originating from web views are rigorously validated against expected origins and user states, preventing unauthorized cross-context interactions. Regular security audits of WebView configurations and keeping dependencies updated remain essential strategies for maintaining robust application security posture in Android environments.