CVE-2026-13774: Google Chrome Use After Free Vulnerability

CVE-2026-13774 Overview

CVE-2026-13774 is a use-after-free vulnerability [CWE-416] in the Extensions component of Google Chrome versions prior to 150.0.7871.47. An attacker who convinces a user to install a malicious extension can execute arbitrary code through a crafted Chrome Extension. Google's Chromium team rated the underlying issue as Critical security severity, while NVD scores the CVE as High with a CVSS 3.1 score of 8.1. The flaw affects Chrome on Windows, macOS, and Linux platforms.

Critical Impact
Successful exploitation allows arbitrary code execution in the context of the browser process, potentially leading to sandbox escape, credential theft, and persistent access on the victim host.

Affected Products

Google Chrome prior to 150.0.7871.47 on Microsoft Windows
Google Chrome prior to 150.0.7871.47 on Apple macOS
Google Chrome prior to 150.0.7871.47 on Linux

Discovery Timeline

2026-06-30 - CVE-2026-13774 published to NVD
2026-07-02 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2026-13774

Vulnerability Analysis

The vulnerability resides in the Extensions subsystem of Chrome's renderer and browser process interaction. A use-after-free condition occurs when the browser continues to reference a memory object after it has been freed by another code path handling extension lifecycle events. Attackers can shape the freed memory region and trigger execution of attacker-controlled data. The result is arbitrary code execution within the Chrome process boundary handling extension logic.

Because Chrome extensions have elevated privileges relative to normal web content, exploitation can escalate impact beyond typical drive-by attacks. A crafted extension can chain the use-after-free with extension API abuse to access cookies, session tokens, and browsing history. The high attack complexity reflects the need for precise heap grooming and user interaction to install the malicious extension.

Root Cause

The root cause is improper object lifetime management in the Extensions component. A pointer to an extension-related object remains reachable after the object is destroyed, allowing a subsequent operation to dereference freed memory. This class of defect [CWE-416] is common in complex C++ codebases like Chromium, where asynchronous callbacks and IPC handlers can outlive the objects they reference.

Attack Vector

Exploitation requires the attacker to distribute a malicious Chrome Extension and persuade a victim to install it. Distribution channels include unofficial extension marketplaces, social engineering campaigns, phishing sites hosting .crx payloads, and compromised legitimate extensions pushed through supply chain attacks. Once installed, the extension triggers the vulnerable code path to achieve arbitrary code execution. No additional privileges are required beyond user-level installation of the extension.

Refer to the Chromium Issue Tracker Entry for technical details.

Detection Methods for CVE-2026-13774

Indicators of Compromise

Installation of Chrome extensions from sources outside the official Chrome Web Store, especially .crx files delivered through email or unfamiliar websites.
Chrome renderer or utility processes spawning unexpected child processes such as cmd.exe, powershell.exe, bash, or osascript.
Unusual outbound network connections initiated from chrome.exe to non-standard hosts shortly after extension installation.
Modifications to the Chrome Extensions directory or Preferences file adding unknown extension IDs.

Detection Strategies

Inventory installed Chrome extensions across the fleet and flag any not present in an approved allowlist.
Monitor endpoint telemetry for anomalous process trees originating from chrome.exe that indicate post-exploitation behavior.
Correlate browser version data with vulnerability scans to identify hosts running Chrome builds earlier than 150.0.7871.47.
Alert on registry or policy changes that disable Chrome's extension safe browsing checks.

Monitoring Recommendations

Ingest Chrome browser logs and endpoint process events into a central data lake for cross-host correlation.
Track user-agent strings and extension IDs seen in web proxy logs to identify malicious extension callbacks.
Establish a baseline for legitimate extension update sources and alert on deviations.

How to Mitigate CVE-2026-13774

Immediate Actions Required

Update Google Chrome to version 150.0.7871.47 or later on all Windows, macOS, and Linux endpoints.
Audit installed extensions and remove any that are unsigned, unused, or sourced from outside the Chrome Web Store.
Enforce enterprise policies that restrict extension installation to an administrator-approved allowlist.
Verify that Chrome auto-update is enabled and functioning on managed endpoints.

Patch Information

Google addressed CVE-2026-13774 in the Chrome Stable channel release 150.0.7871.47. Details are available in the Google Chrome Update Announcement. Enterprises using managed Chrome deployments should validate that the patched build has propagated across all supported operating systems.

Workarounds

Disable third-party extensions via the ExtensionInstallBlocklist group policy until patching is complete.
Configure ExtensionInstallAllowlist to permit only vetted, business-critical extensions.
Educate users on the risks of installing extensions from links, ads, or unofficial marketplaces.

bash

# Chrome enterprise policy example (Windows registry)
# Block all extensions by default and allow only approved IDs
reg add "HKLM\Software\Policies\Google\Chrome\ExtensionInstallBlocklist" /v 1 /t REG_SZ /d "*" /f
reg add "HKLM\Software\Policies\Google\Chrome\ExtensionInstallAllowlist" /v 1 /t REG_SZ /d "<approved-extension-id>" /f