Full Report
A vulnerability has been discovered in Google Chrome which could allow for arbitrary code execution. Successful exploitation of the vulnerability could allow for arbitrary code execution in the context of the logged on user. Depending on the privileges associated with the user an attacker could then install programs; view, change, or delete data; or create new accounts with full user rights. Users whose accounts are configured to have fewer user rights on the system could be less impacted than those who operate with administrative user rights.
Analysis Summary
# Vulnerability: Google Chrome Use-After-Free in CSS
## CVE Details
- **CVE ID:** CVE-2026-2441
- **CVSS Score:** Not explicitly listed in advisory (Assessed as HIGH risk for Enterprise/Government)
- **CWE:** CWE-416 (Use After Free)
## Affected Systems
- **Products:** Google Chrome Desktop
- **Versions:**
- Chrome prior to 145.0.7632.75/76 (Windows and macOS)
- Chrome prior to 144.0.7559.75 (Linux)
- **Configurations:** Systems where users operate with administrative privileges are at higher risk.
## Vulnerability Description
A **Use-After-Free (UAF)** vulnerability exists within the CSS engine of Google Chrome. This memory corruption flaw occurs when the browser continues to use a pointer after the memory it references has been deallocated. An attacker can exploit this condition to achieve **Arbitrary Code Execution (ACE)**.
## Exploitation
- **Status:** **Exploited in the wild.** Google is aware that an exploit for CVE-2026-2441 currently exists.
- **Complexity:** Medium (typically requires bypassing modern browser sandboxing/mitigations).
- **Attack Vector:** Network (Drive-By Compromise).
## Impact
- **Confidentiality:** High (Attacker can view/access data).
- **Integrity:** High (Attacker can change data, install programs, or create accounts).
- **Availability:** High (Attacker can delete data or cause system instability).
## Remediation
### Patches
- **Windows/macOS:** Update to Chrome version **145.0.7632.75/76** or later.
- **Linux:** Update to Chrome version **144.0.7559.75** or later.
### Workarounds
- **Least Privilege:** Operate with non-privileged user accounts to limit the scope of a potential compromise.
- **Content Restriction:** Use browser policies to restrict JavaScript, block unknown extensions, and filter malicious web content.
- **Sandboxing:** Run the browser within a virtualized or isolated environment.
## Detection
- **Indicators of Compromise:** Monitor for unusual child processes spawning from `chrome.exe` (e.g., `cmd.exe`, `powershell.exe`).
- **Detection methods and tools:**
- Enable Anti-Exploitation features (Windows Defender Exploit Guard, DEP, Apple SIP).
- Use Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) tools to monitor for browser memory corruption attempts.
- Audit browser versions across the enterprise using automated vulnerability scanners.
## References
- **Vendor Advisory:** hxxps[://]chromereleases[.]googleblog[.]com/2026/02/stable-channel-update-for-desktop_13[.]html
- **CVE Link:** hxxps[://]cve[.]mitre[.]org/cgi-bin/cvename[.]cgi?name=CVE-2026-2441
- **MITRE ATT&CK:** T1189 (Drive-By Compromise)