CVE-2026-87582 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE • 09/09/2026
Confused deputy in DataTransfer in Google Chrome 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)
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/09/2026
The vulnerability identified as a confused deputy flaw within Google Chrome's DataTransfer component represents a significant breach in browser isolation mechanisms, specifically affecting versions prior to 153.0.8010.36. This issue stems from an improper authorization check where the application fails to correctly verify that it is acting on behalf of the legitimate user or origin when handling data transfer operations initiated by compromised renderer processes. In modern web browsers like Chrome, security relies heavily on sandboxing, which restricts untrusted code running in renderer processes from accessing sensitive system resources or executing arbitrary commands outside their designated environment. The DataTransfer interface, typically used for drag-and-drop functionality and clipboard interactions, serves as a critical bridge between the user interface layer and underlying operating system capabilities. When this component is exploited through a crafted HTML page hosted by an attacker, it allows code that has already breached one level of security to escalate privileges further.
The technical core of this vulnerability lies in the mismanagement of trust boundaries during data transfer operations. A renderer process is generally considered untrusted and isolated from the browser's main process and the underlying operating system. However, if a renderer process can manipulate how DataTransfer objects are processed by higher-privilege components without proper validation of the source origin or intent, it effectively tricks the privileged component into performing actions on its behalf that were not authorized for that specific context. This is a classic confused deputy scenario where a trusted entity (the browser's handling code) is deceived into misusing its authority to benefit an untrusted party (the attacker-controlled renderer). By crafting a malicious HTML page, an attacker can trigger this flaw, causing the browser to execute arbitrary code outside the sandboxed environment of the renderer. This bypasses critical security controls designed to contain web-based threats and prevents lateral movement from being contained within the browser's internal architecture.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe due to its potential for remote code execution with elevated privileges. An attacker who can persuade a user to visit a malicious website or interact with specific content could leverage this flaw to execute arbitrary commands on the victim's system. This capability transforms what might otherwise be a contained cross-site scripting issue into a full compromise of the host machine. The ability to escape the sandbox means that attackers are no longer limited to stealing cookies, session tokens, or personal data within the browser context; they can install malware, exfiltrate sensitive files from the file system, pivot to other systems on the network, and maintain persistent access. Given that Chrome is one of the most widely used browsers globally, successful exploitation could lead to widespread compromise across diverse environments including enterprise networks and individual workstations.
From a classification perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-275, which describes improper handling of unspecified elevation of privilege bugs, specifically within the context of confused deputy problems where access control decisions are made incorrectly due to ambiguous identity or authority delegation. In terms of offensive security frameworks such as MITRE ATT&CK, this exploit technique relates to techniques involving sandbox escape and process injection, allowing attackers to move from initial code execution in a low-privilege environment to higher-level system compromise. The specific vector involves using web content to trigger the flaw, placing it within the realm of client-side attacks that leverage browser vulnerabilities for post-exploitation activities.
Mitigation strategies primarily involve immediate patching and version management. Administrators should ensure all instances of Google Chrome are updated to version 153.0.8010.36 or later, where these authorization checks have been corrected to properly validate the origin and intent of data transfer requests before allowing them to interact with higher-privilege components. For organizations unable to patch immediately due to compatibility concerns, deploying browser hardening policies such as restricting script execution in untrusted domains using Content Security Policy directives can help reduce the attack surface. Additionally, enabling sandboxing features more aggressively and monitoring for unusual process creation patterns originating from browser processes can aid in early detection of exploitation attempts. Regular security audits focusing on third-party plugins or extensions that interact with DataTransfer APIs are also recommended to prevent similar vulnerabilities introduced by external code modules.