CVE-2026-42838: CWE-74: Improper Neutralization of Special Elements in Output Used by a Downstream Component ('Injection') in Microsoft Microsoft Edge (Chromium-based)
Improper neutralization of special elements in output used by a downstream component ('injection') in Microsoft Edge (Chromium-based) allows an unauthorized attacker to elevate privileges over a network.
AI Analysis
Technical Summary
This vulnerability, identified as CWE-74, affects Microsoft Edge (Chromium-based) and arises from improper neutralization of special elements in output that is consumed by a downstream component. This injection flaw can be exploited by an unauthorized attacker remotely to elevate privileges. The CVSS 3.1 base score is 5.4, indicating a medium severity. Microsoft has published an official fix to address this issue.
Potential Impact
An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can elevate their privileges remotely over a network, potentially gaining unauthorized access or control within the affected environment. The impact is limited to confidentiality and integrity with no direct availability impact reported.
Mitigation Recommendations
An official fix is available from Microsoft. Users and administrators should apply the security update provided by Microsoft as detailed in the vendor advisory at https://msrc.microsoft.com/update-guide/vulnerability/CVE-2026-42838 to remediate this vulnerability.
CVE-2026-42838: CWE-74: Improper Neutralization of Special Elements in Output Used by a Downstream Component ('Injection') in Microsoft Microsoft Edge (Chromium-based)
Description
Improper neutralization of special elements in output used by a downstream component ('injection') in Microsoft Edge (Chromium-based) allows an unauthorized attacker to elevate privileges over a network.
CVSS v3.1
Score 5.4medium
Affected software
Weaknesses
AI-Powered Analysis
Machine-generated threat intelligence
Technical Analysis
This vulnerability, identified as CWE-74, affects Microsoft Edge (Chromium-based) and arises from improper neutralization of special elements in output that is consumed by a downstream component. This injection flaw can be exploited by an unauthorized attacker remotely to elevate privileges. The CVSS 3.1 base score is 5.4, indicating a medium severity. Microsoft has published an official fix to address this issue.
Potential Impact
An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can elevate their privileges remotely over a network, potentially gaining unauthorized access or control within the affected environment. The impact is limited to confidentiality and integrity with no direct availability impact reported.
Mitigation Recommendations
An official fix is available from Microsoft. Users and administrators should apply the security update provided by Microsoft as detailed in the vendor advisory at https://msrc.microsoft.com/update-guide/vulnerability/CVE-2026-42838 to remediate this vulnerability.
Technical Details
- Data Version
- 5.2
- Assigner Short Name
- microsoft
- Date Reserved
- 2026-04-30T14:51:12.704Z
- Cvss Version
- 3.1
- State
- PUBLISHED
- Remediation Level
- official-fix
- Vendor Advisory Urls
- [{"url":"https://msrc.microsoft.com/update-guide/vulnerability/CVE-2026-42838","vendor":"Microsoft"}]
Threat ID: 6a036564cbff5d861008cc93
Added to database: 05/12/2026, 17:37:40 UTC
Last enriched: 06/25/2026, 21:27:05 UTC
Last updated: 07/31/2026, 19:22:58 UTC
Views: 84
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