CVE-2026-95299 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE • 09/29/2026
Use after free in GPU in Google Chrome prior to 154.0.8037.57 allowed a remote attacker to execute arbitrary code outside the sandbox via a crafted HTML page. (Chromium security severity: High)
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/29/2026
The vulnerability identified as a use-after-free error within the GPU subsystem of Google Chrome prior to version 154.0.8037.57 represents a critical memory management flaw that compromises the integrity and confidentiality of user data. This specific class of vulnerabilities arises when software continues to use a pointer after it has been freed, leading to undefined behavior that can be exploited by malicious actors. In this instance, the defect resides in the graphics processing unit handling logic, which is responsible for rendering complex web content efficiently. When an attacker crafts a specialized HTML page containing malicious scripts or embedded objects, they can trigger conditions where memory allocated for GPU operations is released prematurely while references to that memory remain active within the browser's execution context.
The technical mechanism behind this exploitation involves manipulating the lifecycle of graphical resources managed by Chrome’s sandboxed environment. Modern browsers employ strict isolation techniques to prevent web content from accessing sensitive system resources directly. However, if a use-after-free condition occurs in the GPU process or its associated interfaces, an attacker can achieve arbitrary read and write access to memory locations that should otherwise be inaccessible. This effectively allows code execution outside the confines of the browser’s sandbox, bypassing critical security boundaries designed to contain potential threats within isolated processes. The severity is classified as high due to the direct impact on system stability and the ease with which remote attackers can leverage this flaw through standard web browsing activities without requiring user interaction beyond visiting a malicious site.
From an operational perspective, successful exploitation of this vulnerability enables remote code execution (RCE) on the victim’s machine. This means that once triggered, the attacker gains the ability to run arbitrary commands with the privileges of the current user. Such access can lead to severe consequences including data theft, installation of malware, or use of the compromised system as part of a botnet. The impact extends beyond immediate compromise, potentially affecting trust in web-based applications and requiring urgent patching across all affected installations. Organizations relying on Chrome for internal communications or sensitive transactions face heightened risks until this vulnerability is remediated through software updates.
To mitigate these risks, it is imperative to update Google Chrome to version 154.0.8037.57 or later immediately upon availability. This patch addresses the underlying memory management issues within the GPU subsystem, ensuring that pointers are properly invalidated after deallocation and preventing access to freed memory regions. Additionally, users should maintain up-to-date antivirus definitions and employ network-level security controls such as firewalls and intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious outbound connections indicative of exploitation attempts. Enabling automatic updates ensures timely protection against newly discovered vulnerabilities in the Chromium engine.
This vulnerability aligns with Common Weakness Enumeration (CWE) identifier CWE-416, which describes use after free errors resulting from improper memory management practices. In terms of tactical classification under the MITRE ATT&CK framework, this flaw facilitates initial access and privilege escalation techniques commonly associated with browser-based attacks. Attackers typically leverage such vulnerabilities during reconnaissance or exploitation phases to establish a foothold within target environments. Understanding these mappings helps security teams prioritize remediation efforts based on standardized risk assessments and industry best practices for web application security.