CVE-2026-3913: Heap buffer overflow in Google Chrome
Heap buffer overflow in WebML in Google Chrome prior to 146.0.7680.71 allowed a remote attacker to potentially exploit heap corruption via a crafted HTML page. (Chromium security severity: Critical)
AI Analysis
Technical Summary
CVE-2026-3913 is a heap buffer overflow vulnerability identified in the WebML component of Google Chrome prior to version 146.0.7680.71. WebML, a web-based machine learning API, processes complex data structures, and the vulnerability arises from improper bounds checking during heap memory operations. An attacker can exploit this flaw by crafting a malicious HTML page that triggers heap corruption when rendered by the vulnerable Chrome browser. This corruption can lead to arbitrary code execution within the context of the browser process, potentially allowing the attacker to execute malicious payloads, steal sensitive data, or disrupt browser functionality. The vulnerability is remotely exploitable over the network without requiring prior authentication but does require user interaction, such as visiting a malicious or compromised website. The CVSS v3.1 base score of 8.8 reflects the high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability, combined with low attack complexity and no privileges required. Although no public exploits have been reported yet, the critical nature of this flaw necessitates immediate attention from users and organizations. The vulnerability affects all platforms running the specified Chrome versions, including Windows, macOS, Linux, and mobile variants, given Chrome's cross-platform deployment. The lack of available patches at the time of disclosure underscores the urgency for users to update as soon as updates are released.
Potential Impact
The exploitation of CVE-2026-3913 can have severe consequences for organizations globally. Successful attacks can lead to arbitrary code execution within the browser context, enabling attackers to bypass security controls, execute malicious code, and potentially move laterally within networks. Confidential information accessed through the browser, including credentials, session tokens, and sensitive data, may be compromised. The integrity of web sessions and data can be undermined, and availability may be affected if the browser crashes or becomes unstable due to heap corruption. Organizations with high web exposure, such as financial institutions, government agencies, and enterprises relying heavily on web applications, face increased risk. The vulnerability's remote exploitability and lack of required privileges make it a prime target for attackers aiming to compromise endpoints. Additionally, widespread use of Chrome means a large attack surface, increasing the likelihood of targeted campaigns or opportunistic exploitation once exploits become available.
Mitigation Recommendations
To mitigate CVE-2026-3913, organizations and users should promptly update Google Chrome to version 146.0.7680.71 or later once patches are released. Until updates are applied, consider implementing the following measures: 1) Employ web content filtering to block access to untrusted or suspicious websites that could host malicious HTML content. 2) Use browser sandboxing and endpoint protection solutions that can detect and contain anomalous behavior resulting from exploitation attempts. 3) Educate users about the risks of visiting unknown or untrusted websites and the importance of applying browser updates promptly. 4) Monitor network traffic and endpoint logs for indicators of compromise related to heap corruption or unusual browser crashes. 5) Disable or restrict WebML features if feasible in organizational environments to reduce the attack surface. 6) Coordinate with IT and security teams to ensure rapid deployment of patches and continuous vulnerability management. These targeted actions complement patching and reduce the window of exposure.
Affected Countries
United States, United Kingdom, Germany, France, Japan, South Korea, Australia, Canada, India, Brazil
CVE-2026-3913: Heap buffer overflow in Google Chrome
Description
Heap buffer overflow in WebML in Google Chrome prior to 146.0.7680.71 allowed a remote attacker to potentially exploit heap corruption via a crafted HTML page. (Chromium security severity: Critical)
AI-Powered Analysis
Technical Analysis
CVE-2026-3913 is a heap buffer overflow vulnerability identified in the WebML component of Google Chrome prior to version 146.0.7680.71. WebML, a web-based machine learning API, processes complex data structures, and the vulnerability arises from improper bounds checking during heap memory operations. An attacker can exploit this flaw by crafting a malicious HTML page that triggers heap corruption when rendered by the vulnerable Chrome browser. This corruption can lead to arbitrary code execution within the context of the browser process, potentially allowing the attacker to execute malicious payloads, steal sensitive data, or disrupt browser functionality. The vulnerability is remotely exploitable over the network without requiring prior authentication but does require user interaction, such as visiting a malicious or compromised website. The CVSS v3.1 base score of 8.8 reflects the high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability, combined with low attack complexity and no privileges required. Although no public exploits have been reported yet, the critical nature of this flaw necessitates immediate attention from users and organizations. The vulnerability affects all platforms running the specified Chrome versions, including Windows, macOS, Linux, and mobile variants, given Chrome's cross-platform deployment. The lack of available patches at the time of disclosure underscores the urgency for users to update as soon as updates are released.
Potential Impact
The exploitation of CVE-2026-3913 can have severe consequences for organizations globally. Successful attacks can lead to arbitrary code execution within the browser context, enabling attackers to bypass security controls, execute malicious code, and potentially move laterally within networks. Confidential information accessed through the browser, including credentials, session tokens, and sensitive data, may be compromised. The integrity of web sessions and data can be undermined, and availability may be affected if the browser crashes or becomes unstable due to heap corruption. Organizations with high web exposure, such as financial institutions, government agencies, and enterprises relying heavily on web applications, face increased risk. The vulnerability's remote exploitability and lack of required privileges make it a prime target for attackers aiming to compromise endpoints. Additionally, widespread use of Chrome means a large attack surface, increasing the likelihood of targeted campaigns or opportunistic exploitation once exploits become available.
Mitigation Recommendations
To mitigate CVE-2026-3913, organizations and users should promptly update Google Chrome to version 146.0.7680.71 or later once patches are released. Until updates are applied, consider implementing the following measures: 1) Employ web content filtering to block access to untrusted or suspicious websites that could host malicious HTML content. 2) Use browser sandboxing and endpoint protection solutions that can detect and contain anomalous behavior resulting from exploitation attempts. 3) Educate users about the risks of visiting unknown or untrusted websites and the importance of applying browser updates promptly. 4) Monitor network traffic and endpoint logs for indicators of compromise related to heap corruption or unusual browser crashes. 5) Disable or restrict WebML features if feasible in organizational environments to reduce the attack surface. 6) Coordinate with IT and security teams to ensure rapid deployment of patches and continuous vulnerability management. These targeted actions complement patching and reduce the window of exposure.
Technical Details
- Data Version
- 5.2
- Assigner Short Name
- Chrome
- Date Reserved
- 2026-03-11T05:54:07.527Z
- Cvss Version
- 3.1
- State
- PUBLISHED
Threat ID: 69b30a4f2f860ef943dbd37b
Added to database: 3/12/2026, 6:47:43 PM
Last enriched: 3/12/2026, 6:52:19 PM
Last updated: 3/13/2026, 9:36:58 PM
Views: 20
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