CVE-2026-10006: Chrome WebAudio Race Condition Remote Code Execution

Technical summary

CVE-2026-10006 is a race condition (CWE-362) in the WebAudio API implementation within Chromium prior to version 148.0.7778.216. The timing-dependent flaw in the audio processing pipeline permits a remote attacker to bypass sandbox isolation and execute arbitrary code. The vulnerability is triggered through a malicious HTML page and does not require elevated privileges or special system configuration. The Chromium security team assigned this a High severity rating, reflecting the combination of arbitrary code execution capability and moderate exploitation barriers.

Business impact

A successful exploit could compromise user confidentiality, integrity, and availability of data within the affected browser process. Organizations with users running vulnerable Chrome versions face risk of credential theft, session hijacking, malware distribution, and lateral movement into internal networks if the browser is used for corporate work. Attackers may also use this to deliver ransomware, spyware, or establish persistent backdoors. The requirement for user interaction limits the attack surface to social engineering and drive-by download scenarios, but such attacks remain common and effective.

Affected systems

Google Chrome versions prior to 148.0.7778.216 are directly affected. The vulnerability affects Chrome installations on Windows, macOS, and Linux systems. While the source data lists Linux kernel and operating systems as affected vendors, the actual vulnerability is in Chrome itself; those operating systems are listed as environments in which the vulnerable browser runs. Any organization or individual using Chrome below version 148.0.7778.216 is at risk.

Exploitability

Exploitation requires a remote attacker to craft a malicious HTML page and trick a user into visiting it. The high CVSS score (7.5) reflects the combination of network accessibility, arbitrary code execution, and significant attack complexity due to the race condition's timing sensitivity. However, the requirement for user interaction (CWE-362 race conditions are often probabilistic) makes this less immediately exploitable than a drive-by vulnerability. Successful exploitation demands both precise timing and user action, which limits but does not eliminate practical attack scenarios. No known public exploits are in active use as of the last KEV catalog update.

Remediation

Update Google Chrome to version 148.0.7778.216 or later. Chrome's automatic update mechanism will deliver the patch to most users; however, in organizations with managed browser deployments, IT teams should verify update completion across all systems. Users should enable automatic updates in Chrome settings (Settings > About > Chrome) if not already active. Users of Chromium-based browsers (Edge, Brave, Opera, Vivaldi) should also check for and install corresponding patches from their vendors, as they may be affected by the same underlying Chromium vulnerability.

Patch guidance

Chrome will automatically check for and offer updates when launched. Users can manually check for updates by navigating to Settings > About > Chrome; the browser will display the current version and automatically download available updates. Enterprise administrators should push the update through their device management platform or centralized Chrome management console to ensure timely deployment. Verify installation by confirming version 148.0.7778.216 or higher appears in Settings > About > Chrome. For Chromium-based browsers, consult the respective vendor's security advisories to confirm patch availability and version numbers in their release cycles.

Detection guidance

Monitor process memory and system call logs for suspicious Chrome behavior following user visits to untrusted websites. Endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools can flag suspicious code execution originating from Chrome processes, particularly if elevated privileges are requested. Web proxies and DNS filtering can block known malicious domains used in delivery campaigns. Network-level indicators are limited since this is a client-side vulnerability; detection relies on endpoint instrumentation. Security teams should watch for user reports of unexpected browser behavior, crashes, or performance degradation after recent browsing.

Why prioritize this

While the CVSS score of 7.5 reflects HIGH severity and arbitrary code execution capability, this vulnerability should be treated as a priority but not as a critical emergency. The requirement for user interaction and race condition complexity reduces the likelihood of widespread automated exploitation campaigns. However, the vulnerability is likely to be weaponized by well-resourced threat actors targeting high-value users or organizations. Enterprises should prioritize patching systems used by executives, developers, and finance teams who handle sensitive data. User awareness training on phishing and malicious link avoidance is a complementary control while patches are deployed.

Risk score, explained

The CVSS 3.1 score of 7.5 (HIGH) is derived from: Network accessibility (AV:N), high complexity due to race condition timing (AC:H), no privilege requirement (PR:N), user interaction requirement (UI:R), unchanged scope (S:U), and high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability (C:H/I:H/A:H). The complexity factor prevents a CRITICAL rating despite arbitrary code execution, as successful exploitation depends on precise timing and user-triggered navigation. The score accurately reflects a significant but manageable risk appropriate for rapid but organized patching.

Frequently asked questions