CVE-2026-78944: Use after free in Google Chrome
Description
CVE-2026-78944 is a use-after-free vulnerability in the DevTools component of Google Chrome prior to version 152.0.7977.65. This flaw allows a remote attacker, through social engineering and a crafted Chrome extension, to execute arbitrary code inside the sandbox. The vulnerability has a high severity rating with a CVSS score of 8.8. No known exploits in the wild have been reported. A vendor advisory link is provided but does not explicitly confirm patch status or remediation details.
CVSS v3.1
Score 8.8high
Affected software
Chrome
AI-Powered Analysis
Machine-generated threat intelligence
Technical Analysis
This vulnerability involves a use-after-free condition in the DevTools of Google Chrome versions before 152.0.7977.65. Exploitation requires user interaction (UI:R) and involves a crafted Chrome extension that can lead to arbitrary code execution within the sandbox environment. The CVSS vector indicates network attack vector, low attack complexity, no privileges required, user interaction required, unchanged scope, and high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability.
Potential Impact
Successful exploitation could allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code within the sandbox of the affected Chrome browser, potentially compromising the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the user's environment. The attack requires social engineering to convince the user to install a malicious Chrome extension.
Mitigation Recommendations
The vendor advisory link is provided but does not explicitly state the availability of a patch or official fix. Patch status is not yet confirmed — check the vendor advisory at https://chromereleases.googleblog.com/2026/08/stable-channel-update-for-desktop_0256176589.html for current remediation guidance. Users should avoid installing untrusted Chrome extensions and apply updates promptly once a fix is confirmed.
Technical Details
- Data Version
- 5.2
- Assigner Short Name
- Chrome
- Date Reserved
- 2026-08-25T06:04:28.550Z
- State
- PUBLISHED
- Vendor Advisory Urls
- [{"url":"https://chromereleases.googleblog.com/2026/08/stable-channel-update-for-desktop_0256176589.html","vendor":"Google"}]
Threat ID: 6a8df9baacd9273b49ac6dd5
Added to database: 08/25/2026, 20:23:22 UTC
Last enriched: 09/10/2026, 00:37:26 UTC
Last updated: 10/10/2026, 06:48:19 UTC
Views: 47
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