CVE-2026-13850 Overview
CVE-2026-13850 is an input validation vulnerability in Google Chrome for iOS. Versions prior to 150.0.7871.47 fail to properly validate untrusted input processed by the browser. A local attacker can exploit this flaw using a malicious file to execute arbitrary code inside the Chrome sandbox on iOS devices.
The issue is tracked under CWE-20: Improper Input Validation. Chromium's security team rated the internal severity as High. Google addressed the flaw in a Chrome stable channel update.
Critical Impact
Successful exploitation allows arbitrary code execution within the Chrome for iOS sandbox, providing an attacker foothold on the mobile device from a single malicious file.
Affected Products
- Google Chrome for iOS prior to 150.0.7871.47
- iOS devices running vulnerable Chrome builds
- Downstream browsers embedding the affected Chrome for iOS codebase
Discovery Timeline
- 2026-06-30 - CVE-2026-13850 published to NVD
- 2026-07-02 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2026-13850
Vulnerability Analysis
The vulnerability originates in Chrome for iOS input handling logic. The browser processes a file whose contents are not adequately validated before use. When the malformed input reaches an internal parser, the browser's control flow can be redirected, leading to arbitrary code execution inside the sandbox.
Because the attack requires a local malicious file and user interaction, exploitation typically follows a social engineering step. An attacker convinces the user to open or import the file into Chrome. Once processed, the input triggers the flaw and executes attacker-supplied instructions within the sandboxed renderer or helper process.
Execution occurs inside the Chrome for iOS sandbox rather than at the operating system level. This constraint limits initial impact but provides a launch point for chained exploits targeting sandbox escapes or platform APIs. See the Chromium Issue Tracker Entry for the upstream reference.
Root Cause
The root cause is improper validation of untrusted input, categorized as [CWE-20]. Chrome for iOS accepts file content without enforcing complete structural or semantic checks. Malformed or crafted values bypass expected constraints and reach code paths that assume validated data.
Attack Vector
An attacker delivers a malicious file to the target device through email, messaging, cloud storage, or drive-by download. The victim opens the file in Chrome for iOS. The browser parses the untrusted content, triggers the validation flaw, and executes attacker code inside the sandbox. User interaction is required, and confidentiality, integrity, and availability are all impacted.
No public proof-of-concept exploit is currently listed for this CVE, and it is not present on the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog.
Detection Methods for CVE-2026-13850
Indicators of Compromise
- Chrome for iOS versions earlier than 150.0.7871.47 present on managed mobile devices
- Unexpected file imports into Chrome for iOS from messaging apps, email attachments, or unknown cloud sources
- Abnormal Chrome for iOS process behavior following the opening of an untrusted file
Detection Strategies
- Inventory Chrome for iOS versions across mobile device management (MDM) fleets and flag builds below 150.0.7871.47
- Monitor mobile threat defense telemetry for anomalous browser child processes or crashes correlated with file handling
- Correlate email and messaging gateway logs for delivery of file types that Chrome for iOS can render, especially from untrusted senders
Monitoring Recommendations
- Enable crash and telemetry reporting on managed iOS devices to surface Chrome renderer failures
- Track MDM compliance dashboards for Chrome for iOS patch adoption rates
- Ingest mobile endpoint logs into a centralized SIEM to correlate file delivery with browser activity
How to Mitigate CVE-2026-13850
Immediate Actions Required
- Update Chrome for iOS to version 150.0.7871.47 or later through the App Store on all managed and personal devices
- Push a mandatory update policy through MDM to enforce the patched version across the fleet
- Advise users to avoid opening files delivered from untrusted sources in Chrome for iOS until patching is verified
Patch Information
Google released the fix in the Chrome stable channel update referenced in the Google Chrome Stable Update announcement. Users must install Chrome for iOS 150.0.7871.47 or newer. The upstream fix and technical discussion are tracked in the Chromium Issue Tracker Entry.
Workarounds
- Use an alternate patched browser on iOS until Chrome for iOS is updated on the device
- Restrict Chrome for iOS from opening files originating from unmanaged cloud storage or unknown senders via MDM policy
- Educate users to validate file sources before opening attachments in mobile browsers
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
