CVE-2026-7335: Google Chrome Use After Free Vulnerability

CVE-2026-7335 Overview

CVE-2026-7335 is a use-after-free vulnerability in the media component of Google Chrome prior to version 147.0.7727.138. This memory corruption flaw allows a remote attacker to execute arbitrary code inside the browser sandbox by convincing a user to visit a specially crafted HTML page. The vulnerability stems from improper memory management in Chrome's media handling routines, where freed memory objects continue to be referenced and used.

Critical Impact
Remote attackers can achieve arbitrary code execution within the Chrome sandbox through malicious web pages, potentially compromising user sessions and sensitive data.

Affected Products

Google Chrome versions prior to 147.0.7727.138
Chromium-based browsers prior to the security patch
Desktop platforms running vulnerable Chrome versions (Windows, macOS, Linux)

Discovery Timeline

2026-04-28 - CVE-2026-7335 published to NVD
2026-04-29 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2026-7335

Vulnerability Analysis

This use-after-free vulnerability (CWE-416) occurs in Google Chrome's media handling component when processing specially crafted HTML content. Use-after-free conditions arise when application code continues to reference memory after it has been deallocated, allowing attackers to manipulate the freed memory region. When Chrome's media component incorrectly manages object lifetimes during media parsing or playback operations, an attacker can craft malicious content that triggers premature memory deallocation while references to that memory remain active.

The exploitation requires user interaction—specifically, the victim must navigate to a malicious webpage containing the crafted HTML payload. While the code execution occurs within Chrome's sandbox environment, successful exploitation could still lead to information disclosure, session hijacking, or serve as a stepping stone for sandbox escape attempts when chained with additional vulnerabilities.

Root Cause

The vulnerability originates from improper lifecycle management of media-related objects in Google Chrome. When processing certain media content, the browser fails to properly track object references before deallocating memory. This creates a dangling pointer condition where subsequent operations attempt to access or manipulate the freed memory region, leading to undefined behavior that attackers can exploit for code execution.

Attack Vector

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

Host a malicious webpage containing crafted HTML with embedded media content designed to trigger the use-after-free condition
Lure victims to visit the malicious page through phishing, malvertising, or compromised legitimate websites
When the victim's browser processes the malicious media content, the use-after-free is triggered
The attacker gains code execution within Chrome's sandbox context

The vulnerability is exploited through crafted HTML pages that manipulate Chrome's media component into accessing freed memory. The technical details involve precise timing of memory allocation and deallocation during media processing operations. For complete technical details, refer to the Chromium Issue Tracking page once the security restriction period has lifted.

Detection Methods for CVE-2026-7335

Indicators of Compromise

Unexpected Chrome crashes or instability when visiting untrusted websites
Unusual memory access patterns in Chrome's media processes
Browser sandbox violations or anomalous child process behavior
Network connections to suspicious domains following media content loading

Detection Strategies

Monitor for Chrome crash reports indicating memory corruption in media components
Deploy endpoint detection solutions capable of identifying use-after-free exploitation attempts
Implement network security monitoring to detect access to known malicious URLs distributing exploit payloads
Use browser telemetry to identify anomalous behavior in media rendering processes

Monitoring Recommendations

Enable Chrome's built-in crash reporting to identify potential exploitation attempts
Monitor endpoint logs for suspicious Chrome renderer process terminations
Implement web filtering to block access to newly registered or low-reputation domains
Track Chrome version deployment across the organization to ensure timely patching

How to Mitigate CVE-2026-7335

Immediate Actions Required

Update Google Chrome to version 147.0.7727.138 or later immediately
Enable automatic updates for Chrome across all managed endpoints
Audit browser versions in your environment to identify vulnerable installations
Consider restricting access to untrusted websites until patching is complete

Patch Information

Google has released Chrome version 147.0.7727.138 which addresses this vulnerability. Organizations should prioritize deployment of this update across all endpoints. For detailed release information, see the Google Chrome Update Announcement.

The Chromium project has also made the fix available for other Chromium-based browsers. Administrators should verify that all Chromium-derived browsers in their environment are updated to incorporate this security fix.

Workarounds

Implement strict web filtering policies to limit exposure to untrusted content
Consider using browser isolation technologies for high-risk browsing activities
Deploy Content Security Policy headers on internal web applications to reduce attack surface
Educate users about the risks of visiting untrusted websites until patches are deployed

bash

# Verify Chrome version on Linux/macOS
google-chrome --version

# Force Chrome update check
# Navigate to: chrome://settings/help
# Or use enterprise deployment tools like:
# - Google Chrome Enterprise
# - Configuration management (Intune, SCCM, Jamf)