CVE-2026-11295 Overview
CVE-2026-11295 is a privilege escalation vulnerability in the WebView component of Google Chrome on Android. The flaw stems from an inappropriate implementation that allows a remote attacker to escalate privileges through a crafted HTML page. Affected versions include Google Chrome on Android prior to 149.0.7827.53. The weakness is classified under [CWE-269] Improper Privilege Management. Exploitation requires user interaction, such as visiting a malicious page, but no authentication. Google has shipped a fix in the stable channel update for Chrome on Android.
Critical Impact
A remote attacker can perform privilege escalation against Android users by serving a crafted HTML page that abuses Chrome's WebView implementation, impacting confidentiality, integrity, and availability.
Affected Products
- Google Chrome for Android prior to 149.0.7827.53
- Google Android (devices running vulnerable Chrome WebView versions)
- Applications embedding Android System WebView built on affected Chromium versions
Discovery Timeline
- 2026-06-05 - CVE-2026-11295 published to NVD
- 2026-06-08 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2026-11295
Vulnerability Analysis
The vulnerability resides in the WebView component of Google Chrome on Android. WebView is the rendering surface Android applications use to display web content inside native apps and is also exercised by the Chrome browser itself. An inappropriate implementation in this component allows a remote attacker to bypass intended privilege boundaries when a victim loads attacker-controlled HTML. The issue is tracked under [CWE-269] Improper Privilege Management, indicating that the code path does not correctly enforce or check the privilege level associated with an operation. Chromium engineers classify the underlying severity as Low, but the CVSS assessment captures the impact on a successfully exploited Android user, where the resulting privilege escalation can compromise data confidentiality, integrity, and availability within the application context.
Root Cause
The root cause is incorrect privilege handling inside Chrome's WebView code on Android. Specific implementation details are tracked in the Chromium Issue Tracker Entry, with restricted access pending broad patch adoption. The defect permits operations to execute with a higher effective privilege than the renderer or web origin should hold.
Attack Vector
Exploitation occurs over the network and requires user interaction. An attacker hosts a crafted HTML page and induces a victim to load it in Chrome for Android or in an app that embeds WebView. Successful interaction triggers the flawed implementation and elevates the attacker's effective privileges within the browser or hosting application. No prior authentication or local access is needed. The vulnerability does not require chained sandbox escapes to demonstrate impact, since the privilege boundary itself is breached by the WebView logic.
No public proof-of-concept exploit is available, and the issue is not listed in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog.
Detection Methods for CVE-2026-11295
Indicators of Compromise
- Android devices running Chrome versions earlier than 149.0.7827.53 reaching uncategorized or newly registered domains over HTTPS
- Unexpected creation of files or preferences in app-private storage by processes hosting android.webkit.WebView
- Outbound connections from WebView-backed apps to infrastructure flagged in current phishing or malvertising threat intelligence
Detection Strategies
- Inventory installed Chrome and Android System WebView versions across the mobile fleet using mobile device management (MDM) telemetry and flag any builds below 149.0.7827.53
- Hunt in web proxy and DNS logs for mobile user agents identifying Chrome on Android at vulnerable versions visiting low-reputation domains
- Correlate WebView process activity with subsequent attempts to access sensitive content providers, accounts, or credential stores
Monitoring Recommendations
- Forward MDM and endpoint telemetry from Android devices to a centralized SIEM or data lake for version-based vulnerability queries
- Monitor Google's Chrome Releases blog for follow-on advisories that reference related WebView fixes
- Track app-side WebView updates separately from Chrome browser updates, since the Android System WebView package is updated independently through Google Play
How to Mitigate CVE-2026-11295
Immediate Actions Required
- Update Google Chrome for Android to version 149.0.7827.53 or later through Google Play
- Update the Android System WebView package to the matching Chromium build to protect WebView-embedding apps
- Enforce minimum Chrome and WebView versions through MDM compliance policies and block non-compliant devices from sensitive resources
- Educate users on the risk of opening links from untrusted messages, email, or advertisements on Android devices
Patch Information
Google released the fix in the Chrome stable channel update referenced in the Google Chrome Update Blog. Install Chrome 149.0.7827.53 or later, then restart the browser to ensure the updated binary is active. WebView-dependent applications inherit the fix once the Android System WebView component is updated through Google Play.
Workarounds
- Restrict browsing on managed Android devices to a vetted list of corporate domains until patching completes
- Disable or replace in-app WebView features in critical business apps where feasible, using an updated Custom Tabs or external browser handoff
- Apply network-level filtering to block known malicious domains and newly registered domains for mobile user populations
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
