CVE-2026-95293 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE • 09/29/2026
Uninitialized resource in GPU in Google Chrome prior to 154.0.8037.57 allowed a remote attacker to read memory outside the sandbox via a crafted HTML page. (Chromium security severity: High)
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/29/2026
The vulnerability identified as an uninitialized resource issue within the graphics processing unit subsystem of Google Chrome prior to version 154.0.8037.57 represents a critical failure in memory management and state initialization protocols. This flaw specifically affects the rendering engine components responsible for handling GPU-accelerated operations, where resources such as buffers or context states are allocated but not properly initialized before being accessed by maliciously crafted content. When a user visits a specially constructed HTML page that triggers these specific GPU code paths, the browser fails to zero out or validate the memory regions associated with these uninitialized resources. This oversight allows the rendering pipeline to read from arbitrary memory locations rather than strictly confined data structures intended for the current execution context.
From a technical perspective, this flaw aligns closely with CWE-457, which describes the use of an uninitialized variable, and CWE-120, involving buffer over-read conditions that occur when input is not properly bounds-checked against allocated memory sizes. The root cause lies in the complex interaction between Chrome's multi-process architecture and its GPU sandboxing mechanisms. Typically, the browser isolates web content from sensitive system resources through strict boundaries enforced by the operating system and internal security layers. However, because the uninitialized resource points to undefined or stale memory addresses, the attacker can exploit this gap to bypass these isolation barriers. The lack of proper initialization means that the value read is not deterministic but rather dependent on previous operations in adjacent memory spaces, potentially exposing sensitive data such as passwords, session tokens, or internal browser state information.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe due to its potential for remote code execution and sandbox escape. Although initially described as allowing a remote attacker to read memory outside the sandbox, the implications extend beyond simple information disclosure. In many modern browsers, arbitrary memory reads can serve as an oracle that aids in defeating other security mitigations such as Address Space Layout Randomization or data execution prevention. By carefully analyzing the leaked memory contents, an attacker could potentially map out the browser's internal structure and identify further weaknesses to achieve full sandbox escape. This would allow the malicious code to execute with the privileges of the user running the browser, leading to complete system compromise including installation of malware, theft of personal data, or use of the device as part of a botnet.
This incident is also relevant to MITRE ATT&CK framework techniques related to initial access and defense evasion. Specifically, it relates to T1059 Command and Scripting Interpreter through web browsers and potentially T1074 Data Staged via local exfiltration if the read memory contains sensitive credentials that can be transmitted back to a command and control server. The use of a crafted HTML page indicates an attack vector consistent with drive-by downloads or malicious advertising networks where users are redirected without explicit interaction beyond visiting a compromised webpage.
Mitigation strategies primarily involve immediate patching by upgrading Google Chrome to version 154.0.8037.57 or later, which includes the necessary code changes to ensure proper initialization of GPU resources before they are accessed. For organizations unable to update immediately, network-level controls such as web filtering proxies can be configured to block access to known malicious domains hosting exploit kits that target this specific vulnerability. Additionally, enabling strict content security policies and disabling unnecessary browser features like JavaScript or WebGL on untrusted sites can reduce the attack surface available to potential attackers exploiting uninitialized memory states. Regular monitoring of browser update notifications is essential as vendors frequently release patches for such high-severity issues in Chromium-based browsers.