CVE-2026-10016: Use-After-Free in Chrome DOM – Sandbox Code Execution Vulnerability

Technical summary

CVE-2026-10016 is a use-after-free vulnerability (CWE-416) in the Document Object Model (DOM) handler of Google Chrome prior to version 148.0.7778.216. The flaw allows a remote attacker to craft an HTML page that triggers memory corruption when Chrome processes DOM operations. This corruption can be leveraged to execute arbitrary code within the browser's sandbox environment. The vulnerability is network-accessible, requires no special configuration, and relies on user interaction to trigger.

Business impact

Organizations relying on Chrome for employee browsing face potential data theft, credential compromise, and malware infection if users visit attacker-controlled or compromised websites. The sandbox containment limits lateral movement to the broader system, but data accessible within the browser context—cached credentials, session tokens, stored files—becomes exposed. Widespread deployment of Chrome in corporate environments makes this a significant attack surface for phishing and watering-hole campaigns.

Affected systems

Google Chrome (all versions prior to 148.0.7778.216) running on Windows, macOS, and Linux are affected. The vulnerability is browser-specific; Chrome on other platforms with the same vulnerable version range is in scope. Other Chromium-based browsers (Edge, Brave, Opera) built from affected Chromium releases may also be vulnerable, though this CVE specifically names only Chrome.

Exploitability

The vulnerability has a CVSS score of 8.8 (High) with a network-based attack vector requiring minimal complexity and user interaction. While exploitation requires a user to visit a malicious webpage, no special browser configuration, extensions, or victim-side prerequisites are needed. The attack surface is broad—compromised ad networks, watering-hole attacks on industry-specific websites, or targeted phishing emails could all deliver the payload. Exploitation does not appear on the CISA KEV catalog, suggesting active in-the-wild exploitation has not been widely documented, though this does not indicate the flaw is difficult to exploit.

Remediation

Organizations should deploy Chrome version 148.0.7778.216 or later across all systems. For enterprises, use Chrome managed policies and deployment tools to enforce automatic updates or push the patched version directly. Where manual update is necessary, verify the Chrome Help menu shows the installed version is 148.0.7778.216 or higher; Chrome will auto-update on restart after the fix is downloaded. Concurrently, reinforce user awareness about suspicious links and untrusted websites to reduce the likelihood of visit-based exploitation.

Patch guidance

Update Google Chrome to version 148.0.7778.216 or any subsequent release. Chrome's auto-update mechanism typically deploys security patches within days of release; verify your Chrome version by navigating to chrome://help to confirm the patch is installed and active. For managed deployments, consult your Chrome enterprise administrator to confirm patch rollout timelines. No interim workarounds fully mitigate the vulnerability short of disabling JavaScript or restricting browsing—patching is the definitive remediation.

Detection guidance

Monitor for Chrome crashes or unexpected process termination, which may indicate exploitation attempts. Endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools should track suspicious DOM-related JavaScript execution patterns and unexpected memory access within the Chrome process. Network-based detection is limited, as the attack occurs within encrypted HTTPS traffic; focus detection efforts on user endpoint behavior anomalies. Review browser cache, history, and downloads for unexpected artifacts following any suspicious browsing session. Organizations using Chrome enterprise reporting can query vulnerability scan logs to identify systems not yet on version 148.0.7778.216 or later.

Why prioritize this

This vulnerability merits immediate priority due to its high CVSS score (8.8), network-based attack vector, minimal exploitation barriers, and ubiquitous deployment of Chrome in corporate environments. While not yet on the CISA KEV list, the ease of delivery via web-based attacks and the sensitive data accessible within browser contexts make it an attractive target for threat actors. Patching should be prioritized alongside or before lower-severity flaws, given the broad exposure and minimal user burden to exploit.

Risk score, explained

The CVSS 3.1 score of 8.8 reflects: (1) network accessibility with no special configuration (AV:N); (2) low attack complexity, requiring only crafted HTML (AC:L); (3) no privilege or prior authentication needed (PR:N); (4) user interaction required but typical for web browsing (UI:R); (5) impact confined to the Chrome sandbox (S:U); and (6) high confidentiality, integrity, and availability impact on the affected process (C:H/I:H/A:H). The score does not account for sandbox escape potential but reflects the severity of in-process compromise.

Frequently asked questions