CVE-2026-78980: Improper input validation in Google Chrome
Description
CVE-2026-78980 is a vulnerability in Google Chrome's ReaderMode prior to version 152.0.7977.65. It involves improper input validation that allows a remote attacker, using social engineering, to bypass the web origin policy and access a privileged page via a crafted HTML page. The vulnerability has a CVSS score of 4.3, indicating medium severity. Google has released a stable channel update addressing this issue.
CVSS v3.1
Score 4.3medium
Affected software
Chrome
AI-Powered Analysis
Machine-generated threat intelligence
Technical Analysis
This vulnerability in Google Chrome's ReaderMode component allows improper input validation, which can be exploited by a remote attacker through social engineering. The attacker can craft an HTML page that bypasses the web origin policy, enabling access to privileged pages. The issue affects Chrome versions prior to 152.0.7977.65. The vulnerability is rated with a CVSS 3.1 score of 4.3 (medium severity).
Potential Impact
An attacker can bypass the web origin policy in Chrome ReaderMode, potentially accessing privileged pages without authorization. The impact is limited to information disclosure (integrity impact) without confidentiality or availability impact. Exploitation requires user interaction (UI required) and network access with low attack complexity.
Mitigation Recommendations
A fix is available in Google Chrome version 152.0.7977.65. Users and administrators should update to this version or later to remediate the vulnerability. Refer to the official Google Chrome stable channel update advisory at https://chromereleases.googleblog.com/2026/08/stable-channel-update-for-desktop_0256176589.html for details.
Technical Details
- Data Version
- 5.2
- Assigner Short Name
- Chrome
- Date Reserved
- 2026-08-25T06:06:36.765Z
- State
- PUBLISHED
- Vendor Advisory Urls
- [{"url":"https://chromereleases.googleblog.com/2026/08/stable-channel-update-for-desktop_0256176589.html","vendor":"Google"}]
Threat ID: 6a8df9c1acd9273b49ac6e61
Added to database: 08/25/2026, 20:23:29 UTC
Last enriched: 09/10/2026, 16:52:43 UTC
Last updated: 10/08/2026, 18:48:48 UTC
Views: 30
Community Reviews
0 reviewsCrowdsource mitigation strategies, share intel context, and vote on the most helpful responses. Sign in to add your voice and help keep defenders ahead.
Want to contribute mitigation steps or threat intel context? Sign in or create an account to join the community discussion.
Actions
Updates to AI analysis require Pro Console access. Upgrade inside Console → Billing.
Need more coverage?
Upgrade to Pro Console for AI refresh and higher limits.
For incident response and remediation, OffSeq services can help resolve threats faster.
Latest Threats
Check if your credentials are on the dark web
Instant breach scanning across billions of leaked records. Free tier available.