CVE-2026-2314 is a heap buffer overflow vulnerability identified in the Codecs component of Google Chrome before version 145.0.7632.45. The flaw arises from improper handling of memory buffers during codec processing, which can be triggered by a specially crafted HTML page containing malicious media content. When a user visits such a page, the vulnerability can cause heap corruption, potentially allowing an attacker to execute arbitrary code within the context of the browser process. The vulnerability is remotely exploitable without any privileges or authentication, but requires user interaction in the form of visiting a malicious or compromised website. The CVSS v3.1 score of 8.8 reflects the high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability, as successful exploitation could lead to data theft, browser compromise, or denial of service. Although no active exploits have been reported, the nature of the vulnerability and Chrome's widespread use make it a critical risk. The vulnerability affects all platforms running vulnerable Chrome versions, including Windows, macOS, and Linux. The absence of known exploits suggests that attackers may still be developing or testing attack vectors, emphasizing the need for proactive patching. The vulnerability was publicly disclosed on February 11, 2026, with Google releasing a patched Chrome version 145.0.7632.45 to remediate the issue. The technical root cause lies in unsafe memory operations in the codec processing pipeline, a common source of security flaws in multimedia handling components.

European organizations face significant risks from CVE-2026-2314 due to the widespread adoption of Google Chrome as a primary web browser. Exploitation could lead to unauthorized access to sensitive information, compromise of user credentials, and potential lateral movement within corporate networks if attackers gain code execution capabilities. Critical sectors such as finance, healthcare, government, and energy are particularly vulnerable given their reliance on secure web communications and the potential consequences of browser compromise. The vulnerability could also be leveraged to deploy malware or ransomware, disrupting business operations and causing financial losses. Given the remote and unauthenticated nature of the exploit, threat actors can target a broad range of users, increasing the attack surface. The requirement for user interaction means phishing or social engineering campaigns could be used to lure victims to malicious sites. The impact extends beyond individual users to enterprise environments where Chrome is used for accessing cloud services and internal web applications, potentially exposing sensitive corporate data and infrastructure.

Organizations should immediately update all instances of Google Chrome to version 145.0.7632.45 or later to remediate the vulnerability. In addition to patching, deploying browser exploit mitigation technologies such as sandboxing, strict site isolation, and enabling Chrome’s built-in security features (e.g., Enhanced Safe Browsing) can reduce risk. Network-level protections like web filtering and blocking access to known malicious domains can help prevent users from reaching exploit-hosting sites. Security awareness training should emphasize the risks of clicking unknown links or visiting untrusted websites to reduce user interaction risk. Enterprises should also consider application whitelisting and endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions to detect and block suspicious activity resulting from exploitation attempts. Regular vulnerability scanning and monitoring for unusual browser behavior can aid in early detection. Finally, organizations should maintain an incident response plan that includes steps for browser compromise scenarios.