CVE-2026-87650 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE • 09/09/2026
Out of bounds read in WebGL in Google Chrome prior to 153.0.8010.36 allowed a remote attacker to potentially execute arbitrary code outside the sandbox via a crafted HTML page. (Chromium security severity: High)
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/09/2026
The vulnerability identified as an out-of-bounds read within the WebGL subsystem of Google Chrome prior to version 153.0.8010.36 represents a critical memory safety flaw that undermines the browser's sandboxing mechanisms. This type of error typically arises when software accesses data at a memory location beyond the intended boundary, often due to insufficient validation of array indices or buffer sizes during rendering operations. In the context of WebGL, which provides an API for rendering interactive 2D and 3D graphics within web browsers without the use of plugins, such flaws are particularly dangerous because they occur in highly optimized C++ code that handles low-level GPU interactions. When a crafted HTML page triggers this condition, it can lead to the reading of arbitrary memory contents, which may include sensitive data or structural information about the browser's internal state.
From a technical perspective, this flaw aligns with CWE-125, Out-of-bounds Read, and potentially CWE-416, Use After Free if the read occurs on freed memory, though the primary classification remains an out-of-bounds access. The severity is rated as High by Chromium security teams because it facilitates a sandbox escape scenario. Modern browsers rely heavily on process isolation to contain potential exploits within untrusted contexts. However, when an attacker can trigger an out-of-bounds read in a privileged component like WebGL, they may be able to leak memory contents that reveal the layout of heap structures or stack frames. This information leakage is often a precursor to more severe exploitation techniques, such as arbitrary code execution, by allowing the attacker to bypass security mitigations like ASLR (Address Space Layout Randomization) and DEP/NX (Data Execution Prevention).
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data disclosure. By leveraging a crafted HTML page hosted on a malicious website or embedded in phishing content, an remote attacker can potentially execute arbitrary code outside the sandbox environment. This effectively breaks the trust boundary between untrusted web content and trusted browser processes. Once arbitrary code execution is achieved within the context of the renderer process with elevated privileges gained through sandbox escape, the attacker gains significant control over the victim's system. This could lead to full system compromise, including the installation of malware, theft of credentials stored in the browser, or use of the machine as part of a botnet. The attack vector is classified under ATT&CK technique T1059, Command and Scripting Interpreter, specifically within the context of client-side exploitation via web browsers.
Mitigation for this vulnerability primarily involves updating Google Chrome to version 153.0.8010.36 or later, where these memory safety issues have been addressed through code hardening and improved bounds checking in the WebGL implementation. For organizations managing large fleets of endpoints, automated patch management systems should be configured to prioritize browser updates due to the high severity and widespread availability of exploit kits targeting such vulnerabilities. Additionally, users can employ security configurations that restrict JavaScript execution on untrusted sites or utilize extensions that block potentially malicious content from loading WebGL contexts unless explicitly trusted. While these mitigations provide defense in depth, they do not replace the necessity of timely software updates to address underlying memory corruption flaws that are increasingly common targets for advanced persistent threats and automated exploitation campaigns.