CVE-2026-10018: Integer Overflow in Chrome ANGLE GPU Graphics Layer

Technical summary

The vulnerability resides in ANGLE's integer handling routines, where an overflow condition can occur during graphics operations. CWE-472 (Integer Overflow to Buffer Overflow) describes the core defect: unchecked arithmetic on integer values used to calculate memory offsets or buffer sizes allows an attacker to break out of intended memory boundaries. When a specially crafted HTML page is rendered, Chrome's ANGLE component processes graphics commands that trigger this overflow, causing it to access out-of-bounds memory. The attacker controls the content and structure of the HTML to engineer the overflow condition. The resulting memory disclosure is confined to the Chrome process's address space and does not directly lead to code execution, limiting the severity to information disclosure.

Business impact

A successful attack exposes confidential user data held in Chrome's memory during a browsing session. This could include passwords stored in the password manager, OAuth tokens, API keys, session cookies, or sensitive information from previously visited websites still cached in memory. For enterprise environments, this risk is compounded if users access internal applications or cloud services through Chrome; a single malicious advertisement or compromised website could leak authentication material or business-sensitive data. The attack surface is broad—any website the attacker controls or any compromised ad network can serve the malicious HTML. While the vulnerability does not directly enable account takeover or lateral movement, the information leaked could facilitate follow-on attacks.

Affected systems

Google Chrome versions prior to 148.0.7778.216 are vulnerable. ANGLE is the graphics backend on Windows, macOS, and Linux systems where Chrome runs. Chromium-based browsers that incorporate ANGLE (such as Microsoft Edge, Brave, Opera, and others) may also be affected if they use a vulnerable version of ANGLE, though the vendor advisory should be consulted for each derivative product. The vulnerability is not a Windows, macOS, or Linux kernel issue; these operating systems are listed because the affected Chrome versions run on them.

Exploitability

Exploitability is straightforward. The attacker needs only to host or inject malicious HTML into a webpage the target visits. No special network position, browser extensions, or user configuration is required. The only barrier is user interaction—the victim must load the webpage in Chrome. Once rendered, the crafted HTML triggers the integer overflow automatically. The Chromium security team rated this Medium severity, reflecting the combination of easy exploitation (network-accessible, user-interaction required) with moderate impact (information disclosure only, no code execution). No active in-the-wild exploitation is documented at this time.

Remediation

Update Google Chrome to version 148.0.7778.216 or later. Chromium-based browser vendors should also release patched versions incorporating the fix. For users: enable automatic Chrome updates or manually check Settings > About Chrome to trigger an update check. For enterprises: deploy Chrome via managed configurations and enforce minimum version policies. Users unable to update immediately should avoid visiting untrusted websites and consider using additional privacy-focused browser extensions or security tools until patched.

Patch guidance

Google has released Chrome 148.0.7778.216 with the fix for this integer overflow. Verify the patch version against Google's official release notes at https://chromereleases.googleblog.com/. For managed deployments, use Chrome's enterprise policy tools to enforce automatic updates or set a minimum version requirement. Monitor the Chrome Release Blog for security updates. Other Chromium-derived browsers (Edge, Brave, etc.) should have released their own updates; check their respective security advisories.

Detection guidance

Monitor for unusual browser crashes or memory errors in Chrome logs, particularly those involving ANGLE or GPU rendering components. In network detection, look for anomalous HTML content attempting to manipulate GPU-related functions or graphics library calls. Endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools should flag processes attempting to read arbitrary memory from Chrome or unusual GPU-related system calls. User reports of unexpected data leaks or authentication failures following browsing sessions warrant investigation. However, since exploitation is silent (no crashes, no visible indicators), detection at the network or behavioral level is challenging; prevention through timely patching is the primary control.

Why prioritize this

This vulnerability warrants prompt but not emergency patching. The CVSS score of 6.5 reflects the combination of network accessibility and user-interaction-required attack, moderate data sensitivity impact, and lack of code execution or system compromise. Organizations should prioritize patching within 2–4 weeks, especially for systems whose users access sensitive applications or handle confidential data. Remote-access environments (Citrix, VDI) where many users share systems or use shared networks should be prioritized higher due to multiplied attack surface. Consumer users should patch within 1–2 weeks. This is not a zero-day or actively exploited vulnerability, so measured urgency is appropriate.

Risk score, explained

CVSS 3.1 base score 6.5 (Medium) is assigned using vector AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:N/A:N. This reflects: Network-accessible attack (AV:N), low attack complexity (AC:L, no special conditions needed), no privileges required (PR:N), user interaction required (UI:R, victim must visit the page), unchanged scope (S:U, only Chrome process is affected), high confidentiality impact (C:H, sensitive memory can be read), no integrity impact (I:N, data is not modified), and no availability impact (A:N, system does not crash or stop functioning). The score appropriately captures the practical risk: widespread exploitation is possible but impact is limited to information disclosure.

Frequently asked questions