CVE-2026-4673: Heap buffer overflow in Google Chrome
Heap buffer overflow in WebAudio in Google Chrome prior to 146.0.7680.165 allowed a remote attacker to perform an out of bounds memory write via a crafted HTML page. (Chromium security severity: High)
AI Analysis
Technical Summary
CVE-2026-4673 is a heap buffer overflow vulnerability found in the WebAudio component of Google Chrome prior to version 146.0.7680.165. The vulnerability arises from improper bounds checking during audio processing, allowing a remote attacker to craft a malicious HTML page that triggers an out-of-bounds write in the browser's heap memory. This memory corruption can lead to arbitrary code execution within the context of the browser process. Since Chrome is a widely used web browser, the attack vector involves simply enticing a user to visit a malicious or compromised website, requiring no prior authentication or special privileges. The lack of a CVSS score notwithstanding, Chromium security has classified this vulnerability as high severity due to the potential for remote code execution and the widespread use of the affected software. No public exploits have been reported yet, but the risk remains significant given the nature of the flaw. The vulnerability was publicly disclosed on March 24, 2026, and fixed in Chrome version 146.0.7680.165. The absence of patch links in the provided data suggests organizations should refer directly to official Google Chrome release notes and security advisories for remediation details.
Potential Impact
The impact of CVE-2026-4673 is substantial for organizations globally because it enables remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected systems by exploiting a heap buffer overflow in a commonly used web browser. Successful exploitation could lead to full compromise of the user's browser environment, potentially allowing attackers to steal sensitive data, install malware, or pivot to internal networks. This threatens confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information systems. Given Chrome's dominance in the browser market, the vulnerability affects a broad user base including enterprises, government agencies, and individual users. The ease of exploitation—requiring only that a user visit a malicious webpage—heightens the risk. Organizations relying on Chrome for critical operations or handling sensitive data face increased exposure, especially if patching is delayed. The vulnerability could also be leveraged in targeted attacks or widespread phishing campaigns, amplifying its potential damage.
Mitigation Recommendations
To mitigate CVE-2026-4673, organizations should immediately update all instances of Google Chrome to version 146.0.7680.165 or later, where the vulnerability is patched. Network administrators should enforce automatic browser updates and monitor for outdated versions within their environment. Employing web filtering solutions to block access to known malicious or suspicious websites can reduce exposure. Additionally, implementing endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools can help identify anomalous browser behavior indicative of exploitation attempts. Organizations should also educate users about the risks of visiting untrusted websites and encourage cautious browsing habits. For high-security environments, consider deploying browser isolation technologies to contain potential exploits. Regularly reviewing and applying security advisories from Google and other trusted sources ensures timely awareness of emerging threats and patches.
Affected Countries
United States, China, India, Germany, United Kingdom, Japan, Brazil, France, Russia, South Korea, Canada, Australia
CVE-2026-4673: Heap buffer overflow in Google Chrome
Description
Heap buffer overflow in WebAudio in Google Chrome prior to 146.0.7680.165 allowed a remote attacker to perform an out of bounds memory write via a crafted HTML page. (Chromium security severity: High)
AI-Powered Analysis
Machine-generated threat intelligence
Technical Analysis
CVE-2026-4673 is a heap buffer overflow vulnerability found in the WebAudio component of Google Chrome prior to version 146.0.7680.165. The vulnerability arises from improper bounds checking during audio processing, allowing a remote attacker to craft a malicious HTML page that triggers an out-of-bounds write in the browser's heap memory. This memory corruption can lead to arbitrary code execution within the context of the browser process. Since Chrome is a widely used web browser, the attack vector involves simply enticing a user to visit a malicious or compromised website, requiring no prior authentication or special privileges. The lack of a CVSS score notwithstanding, Chromium security has classified this vulnerability as high severity due to the potential for remote code execution and the widespread use of the affected software. No public exploits have been reported yet, but the risk remains significant given the nature of the flaw. The vulnerability was publicly disclosed on March 24, 2026, and fixed in Chrome version 146.0.7680.165. The absence of patch links in the provided data suggests organizations should refer directly to official Google Chrome release notes and security advisories for remediation details.
Potential Impact
The impact of CVE-2026-4673 is substantial for organizations globally because it enables remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected systems by exploiting a heap buffer overflow in a commonly used web browser. Successful exploitation could lead to full compromise of the user's browser environment, potentially allowing attackers to steal sensitive data, install malware, or pivot to internal networks. This threatens confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information systems. Given Chrome's dominance in the browser market, the vulnerability affects a broad user base including enterprises, government agencies, and individual users. The ease of exploitation—requiring only that a user visit a malicious webpage—heightens the risk. Organizations relying on Chrome for critical operations or handling sensitive data face increased exposure, especially if patching is delayed. The vulnerability could also be leveraged in targeted attacks or widespread phishing campaigns, amplifying its potential damage.
Mitigation Recommendations
To mitigate CVE-2026-4673, organizations should immediately update all instances of Google Chrome to version 146.0.7680.165 or later, where the vulnerability is patched. Network administrators should enforce automatic browser updates and monitor for outdated versions within their environment. Employing web filtering solutions to block access to known malicious or suspicious websites can reduce exposure. Additionally, implementing endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools can help identify anomalous browser behavior indicative of exploitation attempts. Organizations should also educate users about the risks of visiting untrusted websites and encourage cautious browsing habits. For high-security environments, consider deploying browser isolation technologies to contain potential exploits. Regularly reviewing and applying security advisories from Google and other trusted sources ensures timely awareness of emerging threats and patches.
Technical Details
- Data Version
- 5.2
- Assigner Short Name
- Chrome
- Date Reserved
- 2026-03-23T21:08:16.571Z
- Cvss Version
- null
- State
- PUBLISHED
Threat ID: 69c1debff4197a8e3babf87d
Added to database: 3/24/2026, 12:45:51 AM
Last enriched: 3/24/2026, 1:03:12 AM
Last updated: 3/24/2026, 6:07:38 AM
Views: 6
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