CVE-2026-2650 is a heap buffer overflow vulnerability identified in the Media component of Google Chrome versions prior to 145.0.7632.109. The vulnerability arises from improper handling of memory buffers during media processing, which can be triggered by a specially crafted HTML page containing malicious media content. When a user navigates to such a page, the heap overflow can corrupt memory, potentially allowing an attacker to execute arbitrary code within the context of the browser process. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be exploited remotely without requiring authentication, relying solely on user interaction to visit a malicious website. The flaw was discovered and published on February 18, 2026, but as of now, there are no known exploits in the wild. The lack of a CVSS score means the severity must be assessed based on the nature of the vulnerability: heap overflows in a widely used browser component typically have significant impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. The vulnerability affects all users running Chrome versions before 145.0.7632.109, which is a common version in many environments. The absence of patch links suggests that the fixed version is 145.0.7632.109 or later, and users should upgrade promptly. The vulnerability is categorized as medium severity by Chromium security but considering the potential for remote code execution, a higher severity rating is justified.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a significant risk due to the widespread use of Google Chrome as a primary web browser. Successful exploitation could lead to arbitrary code execution, allowing attackers to install malware, steal sensitive data, or pivot within internal networks. This could compromise confidentiality and integrity of organizational data and disrupt availability through browser crashes or system instability. Sectors such as finance, government, healthcare, and critical infrastructure are particularly at risk due to the sensitive nature of their data and the reliance on secure web browsing. Additionally, the remote exploitation capability means attackers can target users without prior access, increasing the attack surface. The lack of known exploits currently reduces immediate risk but does not eliminate the threat, as attackers may develop exploits rapidly once the vulnerability is public. The impact is amplified in environments where users have elevated privileges or where Chrome is integrated with other enterprise tools.

European organizations should prioritize updating all Google Chrome installations to version 145.0.7632.109 or later immediately to remediate this vulnerability. Implementing enterprise-wide patch management policies that enforce timely browser updates is critical. Additionally, organizations should employ web filtering solutions to block access to suspicious or untrusted websites that could host malicious HTML content. Deploying endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools can help identify anomalous behavior indicative of exploitation attempts. User awareness training should emphasize the risks of visiting untrusted websites and the importance of keeping software up to date. Network segmentation can limit the impact of a compromised endpoint. Finally, monitoring for unusual browser crashes or memory corruption events can provide early warning signs of exploitation attempts.