CVE-2026-76045 Overview
CVE-2026-76045 is a use-after-free vulnerability in the WebGL component of Google Chrome. The flaw affects Chrome versions prior to 151.0.7922.169 and is tracked under [CWE-416]. A remote attacker can execute arbitrary code inside the Chrome renderer sandbox by tricking a user into loading a crafted HTML page. Google's Chromium project rated the security severity as High.
The vulnerability requires user interaction, specifically visiting an attacker-controlled or compromised web page. Successful exploitation grants code execution within the constraints of the renderer sandbox, which attackers typically chain with a sandbox escape to achieve full compromise.
Critical Impact
Remote attackers can execute arbitrary code inside the Chrome renderer sandbox through a crafted HTML page containing malicious WebGL content.
Affected Products
- Google Chrome desktop versions prior to 151.0.7922.169
- Chromium-based browsers incorporating the vulnerable WebGL implementation
- Downstream distributions (Edge, Brave, Opera, Vivaldi) pending vendor updates
Discovery Timeline
- 2026-08-18 - CVE-2026-76045 published to NVD
- 2026-08-20 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2026-76045
Vulnerability Analysis
CVE-2026-76045 is a use-after-free (UAF) condition in Chrome's WebGL implementation. WebGL is the JavaScript API that exposes hardware-accelerated 3D graphics rendering to web pages through GPU interfaces. Use-after-free vulnerabilities occur when a program continues to reference memory after it has been freed, allowing an attacker to control the contents of that memory region.
In browser exploitation, WebGL is a recurring attack surface because it bridges untrusted JavaScript to complex native graphics code. An attacker who reclaims freed memory with controlled data can hijack object virtual tables or function pointers, redirecting execution flow within the renderer process.
The attack vector is network-based and requires user interaction. The scope remains unchanged, and confidentiality, integrity, and availability are all impacted at the renderer level.
Root Cause
The root cause is classified as [CWE-416] Use After Free. Chrome's WebGL subsystem frees a graphics object while another code path retains and later dereferences a stale pointer to that object. Modern browser exploitation techniques leverage such conditions by grooming the heap so that attacker-controlled data occupies the freed slot before the dangling reference is used.
Attack Vector
Exploitation proceeds through a crafted HTML page that references a malicious WebGL context. The attacker uses JavaScript to instantiate WebGL objects, trigger the free condition through a specific sequence of API calls, and then reclaim the freed memory with a controlled payload. Subsequent operations dereference the stale pointer, redirecting execution.
For exploitation details, see the Google Chrome Update Bulletin and Chromium Issue Tracking.
Detection Methods for CVE-2026-76045
Indicators of Compromise
- Chrome renderer processes crashing with signatures referencing WebGL contexts or GPU command buffers
- Unexpected child processes spawned from chrome.exe following web browsing sessions
- Outbound connections from renderer processes to previously unseen domains hosting WebGL-heavy content
- Browser telemetry showing versions of Chrome older than 151.0.7922.169 still in use
Detection Strategies
- Inventory endpoint browser versions and flag any Chrome installation below 151.0.7922.169
- Monitor for anomalous behavior chains where a browser renderer writes to disk or launches shell processes
- Correlate web proxy logs with endpoint process telemetry to identify sessions loading suspicious WebGL payloads
Monitoring Recommendations
- Enable browser crash reporting and forward reports to a centralized analytics pipeline
- Track Chrome update compliance across managed endpoints via enterprise management tooling
- Alert on renderer processes performing filesystem or network activity outside expected browser behavior
How to Mitigate CVE-2026-76045
Immediate Actions Required
- Update Google Chrome to version 151.0.7922.169 or later on all managed endpoints
- Restart browser sessions after patching to ensure the vulnerable renderer code is unloaded
- Prioritize patching for users who routinely browse untrusted content or handle high-value data
Patch Information
Google released the fix in Chrome Stable channel version 151.0.7922.169. Refer to the Google Chrome Update Bulletin for release notes. Downstream Chromium-based browsers should apply vendor updates that incorporate the upstream fix.
Workarounds
- Disable WebGL through enterprise policy where business workflows do not require it
- Restrict browsing to allowlisted domains via web proxy or DNS filtering until patching completes
- Deploy site isolation and enforce strict renderer sandbox policies through Chrome enterprise settings
# Verify installed Chrome version on Windows endpoints
reg query "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Google\Chrome\BLBeacon" /v version
# Disable WebGL via Chrome enterprise policy (Windows)
reg add "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\Google\Chrome" /v "WebGLEnabled" /t REG_DWORD /d 0 /f
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
