CVE-2026-78944 Overview
CVE-2026-78944 is a use-after-free vulnerability in the DevTools component of Google Chrome. The flaw affects versions prior to 152.0.7977.65 and is tracked under [CWE-416]. A remote attacker can leverage social engineering to convince a user to install a crafted Chrome extension. Successful exploitation allows the attacker to execute arbitrary code inside the Chrome sandbox. Google classifies the Chromium security severity as Medium, while the NVD assigns a higher score reflecting the confidentiality, integrity, and availability impact.
Critical Impact
Arbitrary code execution inside the Chrome sandbox via a crafted extension delivered through social engineering.
Affected Products
- Google Chrome for Desktop versions prior to 152.0.7977.65
- Chromium-based browsers incorporating the vulnerable DevTools code
- Any Chrome installation permitting installation of third-party extensions
Discovery Timeline
- 2026-08-25 - CVE-2026-78944 published to NVD
- 2026-08-27 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2026-78944
Vulnerability Analysis
The vulnerability resides in the DevTools front-end code shipped with Chrome. DevTools handles inspection, debugging, and profiling operations exposed to extensions through privileged APIs. A use-after-free condition occurs when DevTools continues to reference a heap object after that object has been freed. An attacker who controls the freed memory region can influence subsequent reads or virtual method dispatches, leading to arbitrary code execution within the renderer or DevTools process context. Exploitation requires user interaction, specifically the installation of a malicious Chrome extension.
Root Cause
The root cause is improper lifetime management of an object referenced by the DevTools subsystem. When the object is released, one or more dangling pointers remain in use by another execution path. See the Chromium Issue Tracker Entry for the internal analysis.
Attack Vector
Exploitation is remote but requires user interaction. An attacker crafts a malicious Chrome extension and distributes it through social engineering channels such as phishing, typosquatted extension listings, or trojanized developer tools. Once installed, the extension invokes DevTools APIs in a sequence that triggers the freed-object reuse. Successful exploitation executes attacker-controlled code inside the Chrome sandbox, providing a foothold for further sandbox-escape research or data theft from browser contexts.
No public proof-of-concept or exploit code is available. Refer to the Chrome Stable Channel Update for vendor details.
Detection Methods for CVE-2026-78944
Indicators of Compromise
- Installation of unverified or newly published Chrome extensions on managed endpoints
- Chrome renderer or DevTools process crashes with heap corruption signatures in chrome.exe crash dumps
- Unexpected child processes spawned by Chrome following extension installation
- Outbound network connections initiated by Chrome to previously unseen domains after extension load
Detection Strategies
- Inventory installed Chrome extensions across the fleet and compare against an approved allowlist
- Monitor Chrome version telemetry to identify hosts running builds older than 152.0.7977.65
- Alert on extension side-loading via developer mode or enterprise policy override
- Correlate DevTools activation events with subsequent anomalous process behavior
Monitoring Recommendations
- Enable browser telemetry forwarding to your SIEM or data lake for centralized analysis
- Track extension install and update events using Chrome enterprise reporting
- Review endpoint EDR telemetry for Chrome processes exhibiting memory corruption crashes or unusual child process creation
How to Mitigate CVE-2026-78944
Immediate Actions Required
- Update Chrome to version 152.0.7977.65 or later on all endpoints
- Restrict Chrome extension installation to an administrator-approved allowlist via enterprise policy
- Audit currently installed extensions and remove any that are unverified or unnecessary
- Communicate anti-phishing guidance covering malicious browser extensions to end users
Patch Information
Google addressed CVE-2026-78944 in Chrome Stable Channel version 152.0.7977.65. Details are available in the Chrome Releases advisory. Chromium-based browser vendors should incorporate the upstream fix and issue corresponding updates.
Workarounds
- Deploy the ExtensionInstallAllowlist and ExtensionInstallBlocklist policies to prevent installation of untrusted extensions
- Disable developer mode extension loading through the DeveloperToolsAvailability policy where operational needs permit
- Force automatic Chrome updates using the ChromeCleanupEnabled and update policies to ensure timely patching
# Example Chrome enterprise policy on Windows (registry)
reg add "HKLM\Software\Policies\Google\Chrome" /v ExtensionInstallBlocklist /t REG_SZ /d "*" /f
reg add "HKLM\Software\Policies\Google\Chrome\ExtensionInstallAllowlist" /v "1" /t REG_SZ /d "<approved-extension-id>" /f
reg add "HKLM\Software\Policies\Google\Chrome" /v DeveloperToolsAvailability /t REG_DWORD /d 2 /f
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
