CVE-2026-5277: Google Chrome ANGLE RCE Vulnerability

CVE-2026-5277 Overview

An integer overflow vulnerability exists in ANGLE (Almost Native Graphics Layer Engine) in Google Chrome on Windows prior to version 146.0.7680.178. This vulnerability allows a remote attacker who has already compromised the renderer process to perform an out-of-bounds memory write via a crafted HTML page. Google has classified this as a high severity security issue within Chromium's security model.

Critical Impact

Attackers with renderer process access can exploit this integer overflow to write arbitrary data outside allocated memory boundaries, potentially leading to code execution or system compromise.

Affected Products

• Google Chrome versions prior to 146.0.7680.178 on Windows
• Google Chrome on Apple macOS
• Google Chrome on Linux

Discovery Timeline

• 2026-04-01 - CVE-2026-5277 published to NVD
• 2026-04-01 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2026-5277

Vulnerability Analysis

This vulnerability is an integer overflow (CWE-472) within the ANGLE graphics abstraction layer used by Google Chrome. ANGLE serves as a translation layer that converts OpenGL ES API calls to DirectX calls on Windows, Vulkan, or native OpenGL on other platforms. The integer overflow occurs during graphics processing operations, where arithmetic calculations exceed the maximum value representable by the integer type, causing the value to wrap around.

When exploited, this overflow condition results in incorrect memory allocation sizes or buffer boundary calculations. The subsequent out-of-bounds memory write allows an attacker to corrupt adjacent memory regions, potentially overwriting critical data structures or function pointers.

Root Cause

The root cause lies in insufficient integer bounds checking within the ANGLE component when processing graphics-related data. When certain arithmetic operations are performed on user-controllable input values without proper validation, the result can overflow, leading to a smaller-than-expected buffer allocation. Subsequent write operations then exceed the buffer boundaries.

Attack Vector

The attack requires a threat actor to first compromise the Chrome renderer process, typically through a separate vulnerability. Once the renderer is compromised, the attacker can craft a malicious HTML page containing specific WebGL or graphics content designed to trigger the integer overflow condition in ANGLE. This enables an out-of-bounds write that could be leveraged for sandbox escape or further exploitation.

The attack is network-based, requiring user interaction to visit a malicious webpage. The exploitation complexity is considered high due to the prerequisite of an already-compromised renderer process.

Detection Methods for CVE-2026-5277

Indicators of Compromise

• Unexpected Chrome renderer process crashes or restarts, particularly when visiting unfamiliar websites
• Memory access violation errors in system logs associated with libangle or libGLESv2.dll components
• Anomalous WebGL rendering behavior or GPU-related errors in Chrome's internal logs

Detection Strategies

• Monitor Chrome crash reports for ANGLE-related exceptions or memory corruption signatures
• Implement endpoint detection rules to identify suspicious Chrome process behavior chains
• Deploy network security monitoring to detect delivery of pages with abnormal WebGL content patterns
• Enable Chrome's enhanced protection features and enterprise logging capabilities

Monitoring Recommendations

• Review Chrome stability reports in enterprise environments for patterns of ANGLE-related crashes
• Implement application allow-listing to restrict execution of code from untrusted sources
• Configure SentinelOne endpoint agents to detect memory corruption exploitation attempts
• Enable verbose Chrome logging for graphics subsystems in high-security environments

How to Mitigate CVE-2026-5277

Immediate Actions Required

• Update Google Chrome to version 146.0.7680.178 or later immediately
• Enable automatic updates in Chrome to ensure timely security patches
• Consider restricting access to untrusted websites until patches are applied
• Review and audit browser extensions that may increase attack surface

Patch Information

Google has released Chrome version 146.0.7680.178 which addresses this vulnerability. The update is available through Chrome's built-in update mechanism and can be obtained from the official Chrome download page. Enterprise administrators should deploy this update through their software management infrastructure. For detailed release information, see the Google Chrome Update Announcement.

Additional technical details can be found in the Chromium Issue Tracker Entry.

Workarounds

• Disable WebGL in Chrome via chrome://flags/#disable-webgl as a temporary mitigation if patching is not immediately possible
• Implement network-level filtering to restrict access to potentially malicious sites
• Consider using browser isolation technologies for high-risk browsing activities
• Deploy application sandboxing solutions to limit the impact of potential exploitation

# Chrome Enterprise policy to disable WebGL (temporary mitigation)
# Add to Chrome policies on Windows via registry or Group Policy
# HKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\Google\Chrome
# WebGlAllowed = 0

# On Linux/macOS, add to managed preferences:
# { "WebGlAllowed": false }