CVE-2026-93375 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE • 09/18/2026
Incorrect reference resolution in Tracing in Google Chrome on on Windows prior to 153.0.8010.52 allowed a local attacker to potentially execute arbitrary code outside the sandbox via a local program. (Chromium security severity: High)
If you want to get best quality of vulnerability data, you may have to visit VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/18/2026
The vulnerability identified as an incorrect reference resolution within the tracing subsystem of Google Chrome on Windows represents a significant breach in the browser's internal memory management and process isolation mechanisms. This flaw, which was present in versions prior to 153.0.8010.52, stems from improper handling of object references during the execution of trace data collection routines. In complex software architectures like Chromium, tracing is essential for performance monitoring and debugging but requires careful management of memory pointers and state variables. When a reference resolution fails or resolves to an incorrect memory location, it can lead to undefined behavior that extends beyond the intended scope of the application logic. This specific failure mode allows for the manipulation of internal data structures in ways that were not anticipated by the developers, creating a pathway for malicious exploitation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is particularly severe due to its potential to facilitate arbitrary code execution outside the browser's sandbox environment. Chrome relies heavily on a multi-process architecture where renderer processes are confined within strict sandboxes to limit the damage caused by successful exploits. However, when an attacker can trigger incorrect reference resolution in components that interact with higher-privilege services or shared memory regions, they may bypass these containment boundaries. By crafting specific local programs that exploit this flaw, an attacker could achieve code execution with elevated privileges on the host system. This effectively neutralizes one of Chrome's primary security defenses, allowing malware to install persistently, exfiltrate sensitive data, or use the compromised machine as a pivot point for further network attacks.
From a classification perspective, this vulnerability aligns closely with CWE-476, which denotes NULL Pointer Dereference, and potentially CWE-823, Use of Out-of-range Pointer Offset, depending on the specific memory corruption mechanics involved in the reference resolution failure. These categories highlight fundamental errors in how software handles pointers and memory addresses. Furthermore, from a tactical standpoint within the MITRE ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability supports techniques associated with Defense Evasion by bypassing application sandboxing mechanisms such as those found in Windows or Chrome's own site isolation features. It also facilitates Execution through local program invocation, allowing an attacker to leverage system resources for malicious purposes without triggering typical remote exploitation alerts that might accompany network-based attacks.
Mitigation strategies primarily involve immediate software updates to ensure the browser is running version 153.0.8010.52 or later, where these reference resolution issues have been addressed through rigorous code review and automated fuzzing tests. For organizations unable to patch immediately, implementing strict application whitelisting policies can reduce the risk of local attackers executing arbitrary programs that might trigger this flaw. Additionally, enabling Chrome's enhanced security features, such as Site Isolation and Sandbox hardening options, provides an additional layer of defense by further restricting what renderer processes can access in memory. Regular monitoring for unusual process creation events or privilege escalation attempts on endpoints running older versions of the browser is also recommended to detect potential exploitation activities early.