CVE-2026-2441 is a use-after-free vulnerability discovered in the CSS processing component of Google Chrome prior to version 145.0.7632.75. Use-after-free bugs occur when a program continues to use memory after it has been freed, leading to undefined behavior that attackers can exploit to execute arbitrary code. In this case, the vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute code inside the Chrome sandbox by tricking users into visiting a maliciously crafted HTML page. The flaw was reported by security researcher Shaheen Fazim on February 11, 2026, and Google confirmed active exploitation in the wild before releasing a patch on February 16, 2026. The CVSS score of 8.8 reflects the high impact and exploitability of this vulnerability. While Google has not disclosed detailed exploitation techniques or targeted victims, the active exploitation status indicates that threat actors are leveraging this flaw to compromise systems. Given Chrome's dominant market share globally, including Europe, this vulnerability presents a broad attack surface. The sandboxed nature of the exploit limits but does not eliminate the risk of system-level compromise, especially if chained with other vulnerabilities. Other Chromium-based browsers such as Microsoft Edge, Brave, Opera, and Vivaldi, which share much of Chrome's codebase, may also be vulnerable until they release their own patches. The vulnerability underscores the ongoing risk posed by browser-based zero-days, which remain a favored vector for attackers due to browsers' ubiquitous presence and access to sensitive user data and enterprise resources.

European organizations are at significant risk due to the widespread use of Google Chrome across enterprises, government agencies, and critical infrastructure. Successful exploitation can lead to arbitrary code execution within the browser sandbox, potentially allowing attackers to steal sensitive data, deploy malware, or move laterally within networks. This can result in data breaches, intellectual property theft, disruption of services, and reputational damage. The vulnerability's remote exploitation capability without requiring user interaction beyond visiting a malicious page increases the likelihood of successful attacks. Industries with high reliance on web applications, such as finance, healthcare, and public administration, are particularly vulnerable. Additionally, the potential for exploitation in Chromium-based browsers used in Europe broadens the scope of affected systems. Given the active exploitation, threat actors may target European entities for espionage, financial gain, or disruption, especially amid current geopolitical tensions. Failure to patch promptly could lead to widespread compromise and increased incident response costs.

European organizations should immediately verify and deploy the latest Chrome security updates: versions 145.0.7632.75/76 for Windows and macOS, and 144.0.7559.75 for Linux. IT teams must also monitor and apply patches from other Chromium-based browser vendors as they become available. Implement network-level protections such as web filtering to block access to known malicious sites and employ endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions capable of detecting anomalous browser behavior indicative of exploitation attempts. Organizations should enforce strict browser security policies, including disabling unnecessary plugins and extensions, enabling sandboxing features, and restricting script execution where feasible. User awareness training should emphasize caution when clicking unknown links or visiting untrusted websites. Continuous monitoring of logs and threat intelligence feeds for indicators of compromise related to this vulnerability is essential. For high-risk environments, consider deploying browser isolation technologies to contain potential exploits. Finally, coordinate with cybersecurity incident response teams to prepare for rapid containment if exploitation is detected.