CVE-2026-2320: Google Chrome XSS Vulnerability

CVE-2026-2320 Overview

CVE-2026-2320 is a UI spoofing vulnerability caused by an inappropriate implementation in the File input component of Google Chrome. This flaw allows a remote attacker to perform UI spoofing attacks by convincing a user to engage in specific UI gestures when interacting with a crafted HTML page. The vulnerability stems from improper handling of file input elements, which can be exploited to deceive users about the true nature of their interactions with web content.

Critical Impact

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability to manipulate what users see in their browser, potentially leading to credential theft, malware downloads, or other social engineering attacks through convincing UI deception.

Affected Products

• Google Chrome versions prior to 145.0.7632.45
• Chromium-based browsers using vulnerable Chrome engine versions

Discovery Timeline

• 2026-02-11 - CVE-2026-2320 published to NVD
• 2026-02-12 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2026-2320

Vulnerability Analysis

This vulnerability is classified under CWE-451 (User Interface (UI) Misrepresentation of Critical Information). The flaw exists in how Chrome's File input component handles and displays information to users. When a user interacts with a maliciously crafted HTML page, the browser fails to accurately represent the true state or nature of the file input interface, allowing attackers to deceive users about what actions they are performing.

The attack requires user interaction through specific UI gestures, which means social engineering plays a key role in successful exploitation. However, once a user is convinced to perform the required actions, the attacker can present misleading visual information that misrepresents the actual browser state or file operations being performed.

Root Cause

The root cause lies in the inappropriate implementation of the File input component within Google Chrome. The vulnerability allows crafted HTML pages to manipulate how file input elements are rendered or displayed to users, creating a disconnect between what users see and what actually occurs when they interact with these elements. This implementation flaw enables attackers to create convincing spoofed interfaces that can trick users into performing unintended actions.

Attack Vector

The attack is network-based and requires user interaction. An attacker must:

1. Host a malicious HTML page containing specially crafted file input elements
2. Convince the target user to visit the malicious page
3. Trick the user into performing specific UI gestures (clicks, drags, or other interactions)
4. Exploit the UI spoofing to deceive the user about the nature of their actions

The vulnerability does not require authentication and targets the integrity of the user interface. Due to the social engineering component required, exploitation in the wild depends heavily on attacker sophistication in crafting convincing phishing scenarios.

Detection Methods for CVE-2026-2320

Indicators of Compromise

• Suspicious HTML pages with obfuscated file input element manipulations
• User reports of unexpected file upload dialogs or misleading browser prompts
• Web traffic to known malicious domains hosting spoofed pages
• Unusual JavaScript behavior related to file input handling

Detection Strategies

• Monitor for anomalous web page interactions involving file input elements
• Implement browser isolation for untrusted web content
• Deploy endpoint detection solutions that can identify UI spoofing attempts
• Analyze web traffic for pages attempting to manipulate file input presentations

Monitoring Recommendations

• Enable detailed browser logging to capture file input interactions
• Implement URL reputation services to block known malicious pages
• Monitor for user complaints about confusing or unexpected browser behavior
• Track Chrome version deployment across the organization to identify unpatched instances

How to Mitigate CVE-2026-2320

Immediate Actions Required

• Update Google Chrome to version 145.0.7632.45 or later immediately
• Educate users about the risks of interacting with untrusted web pages
• Consider implementing browser isolation for high-risk users
• Review and update web content filtering policies

Patch Information

Google has released a security update addressing this vulnerability in Chrome version 145.0.7632.45. The patch corrects the inappropriate implementation in the File input component, ensuring proper UI representation during file input interactions. Organizations should prioritize updating all Chrome installations to this version or later.

For detailed information about the security update, refer to the Google Chrome Releases Blog. Technical details about the specific issue can be found in the Chromium Issue Tracker.

Workarounds

• Implement strict content security policies to limit potentially malicious page behaviors
• Use browser extensions or enterprise policies to restrict file input interactions on untrusted sites
• Enable enhanced safe browsing features in Chrome settings
• Consider using browser isolation solutions for sensitive operations until patching is complete

# Chrome Enterprise Policy Configuration
# Enforce automatic updates to ensure users receive the security patch
cat >> /etc/opt/chrome/policies/managed/chrome_update_policy.json << EOF
{
  "AutoUpdateCheckPeriodMinutes": 180,
  "RelaunchNotification": 2,
  "SafeBrowsingProtectionLevel": 2
}
EOF