CVE-2026-10976: Chrome Uninitialized Use Memory Disclosure Vulnerability (CVSS 7.4)

Technical summary

CVE-2026-10976 is an uninitialized use vulnerability (CWE-457) in the Dawn graphics library component of Google Chrome. Uninitialized variables in graphics processing operations can retain remnants of prior process memory. When an attacker-controlled HTML page triggers specific rendering operations, these uninitialized buffers may be exposed through side channels or direct memory access patterns. The vulnerability requires user interaction (visiting a malicious page) but does not require elevated privileges, and the impact crosses security boundaries within the browser context (CVSS vector: AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:C).

Business impact

Confidentiality impact is high: attackers could extract encryption keys, session tokens, cached credentials, or other sensitive data resident in Chrome process memory. Since the attack requires only network access and user interaction, any organization where employees browse untrusted sites faces exposure. For sensitive workflows (financial services, healthcare, government), this vulnerability could compromise data governance and regulatory compliance postures. Indirect impacts include potential supply-chain reconnaissance if attackers target development or security teams.

Affected systems

Google Chrome versions prior to 149.0.7827.53 are affected. The vulnerability is specific to the Chrome browser; other Chromium-based browsers may be affected depending on their version status and whether they incorporate the vulnerable Dawn code. Organizations must verify the Chrome version deployed across their environment; automated patching policies should prioritize this update.

Exploitability

Exploitability is moderate to high. No CISA KEV inclusion indicates the vulnerability is not yet widely exploited in the wild or not part of documented active campaigns. However, the low attack complexity (AC:L), lack of privilege requirements (PR:N), and need only for user interaction (UI:R) make this practical for opportunistic attacks. Proof-of-concept techniques are likely to emerge quickly given the public disclosure. Sophisticated threat actors targeting specific individuals or organizations could craft convincing phishing contexts to increase click-through rates.

Remediation

Update Google Chrome to version 149.0.7827.53 or later immediately. Chrome's auto-update mechanism should deploy the patch automatically for most users, but verify successful update on critical systems. Organizations using managed Chrome deployments should push the update through policy configuration tools (Google Admin Console, Chromebook management, or enterprise deployment systems). After patching, confirm via chrome://version that the build number reflects 149.0.7827.53 or higher.

Patch guidance

Deploy Chrome version 149.0.7827.53 or later across all instances. For enterprise environments: (1) Verify patch availability through your Chrome update channel (Stable, Beta, Dev); (2) Test the patch in a controlled environment to confirm no compatibility issues with line-of-business applications; (3) Push updates via MDM/EMM or Group Policy for managed devices; (4) Monitor update status via Chrome Management reporting; (5) Prioritize workstations and devices handling sensitive data. For consumer users, enable automatic updates in Chrome settings (chrome://settings/help) to ensure timely patching.

Detection guidance

Monitor for unusual memory access patterns or crashes in Chrome processes that coincide with visits to untrusted domains. Web proxy and DNS logs should be reviewed for connections to known malicious or suspicious HTML-serving infrastructure. Endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools should flag anomalous process memory reads or unexpected data exfiltration from Chrome. Look for evidence of crafted HTML files in browser cache or temp directories. Network detection should identify requests with suspicious DOM manipulation or graphics API calls that could trigger the vulnerability. Test your detection stack with samples or indicators published by Google's security team or trusted threat intelligence providers.

Why prioritize this

This vulnerability merits immediate patching due to its high confidentiality impact, low barrier to exploitation, and potential to compromise secrets in process memory. The lack of KEV status should not be misinterpreted as low risk; it indicates the vulnerability has not yet been observed in mass exploitation or ransomware campaigns, not that it is benign. Prioritize systems used by security teams, finance staff, remote workers, and any personnel handling authentication or encryption material. The user-interaction requirement (visiting a malicious page) makes it a practical social engineering vector.

Risk score, explained

CVSS 3.1 score of 7.4 (High) reflects: (1) Network-accessible attack vector with no authentication needed, enabling broad reachability; (2) Low attack complexity—no special techniques or system-specific knowledge required to craft a triggering HTML page; (3) User interaction required, reducing the attack pool but not eliminating it in phishing or watering-hole scenarios; (4) Scope change (S:C) indicates the vulnerability can affect resources beyond the vulnerable component; (5) High confidentiality impact as sensitive data in process memory is exposed; (6) No integrity or availability impact. The score appropriately reflects a serious but not critical issue—patches are available, and user awareness can partially mitigate risk.

Frequently asked questions