CVE-2026-113049 Overview
CVE-2026-113049 is a memory corruption vulnerability in the Core component of Google Chrome prior to version 156.0.8078.47. A remote attacker can leverage a crafted HTML page to trigger the flaw and potentially execute arbitrary code inside the Chrome sandbox. Exploitation requires user interaction, such as navigating to an attacker-controlled web page. The vulnerability is tracked under [CWE-119] (Improper Restriction of Operations within the Bounds of a Memory Buffer) and affects all Chrome desktop channels before the fixed release.
Critical Impact
Successful exploitation can lead to arbitrary code execution inside the Chrome renderer sandbox, providing attackers an initial foothold on the target system.
Affected Products
- Google Chrome Desktop prior to 156.0.8078.47
- Chromium-based browsers that embed the vulnerable Core component
- All platforms supported by the Chrome Stable channel (Windows, macOS, Linux)
Discovery Timeline
- 2026-10-20 - CVE-2026-113049 published to NVD
- 2026-10-22 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2026-113049
Vulnerability Analysis
The flaw resides in the Core component of Chrome and manifests as a memory corruption condition reachable through a crafted HTML page. When the browser parses or processes the malicious content, it violates expected memory boundaries, allowing an attacker to influence program state. The resulting corruption can be shaped into arbitrary code execution within the renderer process. Because the issue is network-reachable and requires only that a victim visit a web page, drive-by exploitation chains are feasible. Code execution is confined to the Chrome sandbox, so a separate sandbox escape would be required for full host compromise.
Root Cause
The root cause is improper restriction of operations within the bounds of a memory buffer in Chrome Core logic. The underlying defect falls under [CWE-119], which covers conditions where code reads or writes outside the intended buffer. Google's advisory does not publicly disclose the specific object or allocator involved. Technical specifics are tracked in the Chromium Issue Tracker Entry.
Attack Vector
Attackers deliver the exploit through a crafted HTML page hosted on an attacker-controlled or compromised site. The victim must load the page in a vulnerable Chrome build, satisfying the user interaction requirement. Common delivery methods include phishing links, malicious advertisements, and watering-hole attacks against trusted sites.
No verified public proof-of-concept code is available at the time of writing. Refer to the Google Chrome Stable Update advisory for official technical context.
Stop Remote Code Execution Before It Runs
Singularity™ Endpoint detects and blocks exploit attempts at machine speed, including zero-days and novel attack techniques.
Stop Exploit AttemptsDetection Methods for CVE-2026-113049
Indicators of Compromise
- Chrome renderer process crashes or unexpected restarts following navigation to untrusted sites
- Outbound connections from chrome.exe to newly registered or low-reputation domains serving HTML payloads
- Browser child processes spawning unexpected executables or shell interpreters
Detection Strategies
- Inventory Chrome versions across the fleet and flag any build earlier than 156.0.8078.47
- Correlate web proxy logs with endpoint telemetry to identify users visiting suspicious HTML content immediately before browser instability
- Apply behavioral detections for anomalous process lineage originating from the Chrome browser process
Monitoring Recommendations
- Monitor endpoints for Chrome crash events and WER (Windows Error Reporting) entries referencing the Core component
- Track DNS and HTTP telemetry for high-risk categories such as newly observed domains and malvertising infrastructure
- Alert on Chrome spawning cmd.exe, powershell.exe, or script hosts, which may indicate a chained sandbox escape
How to Mitigate CVE-2026-113049
Immediate Actions Required
- Update Google Chrome to version 156.0.8078.47 or later on all desktop endpoints
- Force-restart Chrome after deploying the update to ensure the patched binary is loaded
- Audit Chromium-based browsers and embedded WebViews for inclusion of the vulnerable Core component
Patch Information
Google released the fix in the Chrome Stable channel at version 156.0.8078.47. Administrators should deploy the update through enterprise management tooling or Chrome's built-in updater. Full release details are available in the Google Chrome Stable Update advisory.
Workarounds
- Restrict browsing to trusted sites via web proxy or DNS filtering until the patch is deployed
- Enable Enhanced Safe Browsing in Chrome to add runtime protections against malicious pages
- Deploy site isolation and strict download policies through Chrome enterprise policy to limit exploit impact
# Verify Chrome version on Linux endpoints
google-chrome --version
# Example enterprise policy snippet to enforce auto-update (Windows registry)
# HKLM\Software\Policies\Google\Update\AutoUpdateCheckPeriodMinutes = 60
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
