CVE-2026-11005: Out-of-Bounds Read in Chrome ANGLE on Windows

Technical summary

CVE-2026-11005 is an out-of-bounds read vulnerability (CWE-125) in ANGLE, Google's OpenGL ES abstraction layer used in Chrome's rendering engine. The flaw exists in Google Chrome on Windows versions prior to 149.0.7827.53. The vulnerability requires a compromised renderer process and user interaction (visiting a crafted HTML page) to trigger. The attacker exploits improper memory bounds checking in ANGLE's graphics code, allowing them to read beyond allocated buffer boundaries and leak sensitive data from the renderer process address space. The CVSS 3.1 score of 5.3 reflects the high confidentiality impact, high attack complexity, and need for user interaction.

Business impact

For organizations with Windows users running Chrome, this vulnerability poses a moderate information disclosure risk. The primary concern is exfiltration of sensitive data resident in renderer process memory—such as cached credentials, session tokens, or other sensitive page content. Since exploitation requires a prior renderer compromise, this is typically part of a multi-stage attack chain. Affected users may face credential theft or session hijacking if sensitive information is accessed. The vulnerability does not enable code execution or denial of service, limiting its standalone impact but making it valuable as a secondary exploitation vector in targeted campaigns.

Affected systems

Google Chrome on Windows prior to version 149.0.7827.53 is vulnerable. The flaw is specific to the Windows platform and ANGLE's implementation within Chrome. Users on macOS and Linux are not affected by this particular issue, as they do not use ANGLE in the same way. Chrome users on Windows should prioritize updating, particularly if they browse untrusted content or are targets of sophisticated attacks. No specific Windows versions are restricted; the vulnerability affects all supported Windows releases running the vulnerable Chrome versions.

Exploitability

Exploiting this vulnerability requires a multi-step process, which moderates the overall exploitability. First, an attacker must compromise Chrome's renderer process through a separate vulnerability or method. Once the renderer is compromised, the attacker serves a crafted HTML page that triggers the out-of-bounds read in ANGLE's graphics processing code. User interaction is required—the victim must visit the malicious page. The attack complexity is high because conditions must align: a prior compromise, successful rendering of the crafted content, and user participation. No public exploit code or active exploitation has been reported in the wild. This is not a publicly known exploit as of the publication date.

Remediation

Update Google Chrome to version 149.0.7827.53 or later on Windows systems. Chrome's automatic update mechanism will prompt users to restart their browser to apply the patch. Security teams should verify that auto-update is enabled across their environment or use Chrome's enterprise policies to enforce timely patching. Organizations can use Chrome Update Management via Group Policy (Windows domain environments) or commercial endpoint management platforms to enforce rapid deployment. No workarounds exist short of updating; users cannot mitigate the risk through configuration changes alone.

Patch guidance

Verify that Google Chrome has been updated to version 149.0.7827.53 or later. Users can confirm their version by navigating to chrome://settings/help in the address bar, which displays the current version and triggers an update check if needed. For enterprise deployments, admins should audit Chrome versions via Mobile Device Management (MDM) solutions or endpoint telemetry. After patching, users should close and reopen all Chrome windows to ensure the updated version is fully loaded. Test that ANGLE-dependent features (3D graphics, WebGL) function correctly post-patch, though issues are unlikely.

Detection guidance

Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) tools should monitor for out-of-bounds memory access patterns in Chrome renderer processes, though this requires deep behavioral analysis of ANGLE execution. Network detection is limited unless the malicious HTML payload has distinctive signatures. Organizations can enable Chrome security logging via group policy to track renderer crashes or unusual memory access events. Monitor for unexpected renderer process restarts or crashes following user browsing activity—ANGLE exploits may trigger memory protection violations. Log Chrome update deployment to verify remediation across managed devices. Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS) may flag suspicious network traffic associated with delivering the crafted HTML, but detection depends on payload obfuscation and delivery method.

Why prioritize this

This vulnerability warrants prompt but not emergency patching. The CVSS 5.3 (Medium) rating and lack of KEV status indicate it is not actively exploited at scale in the wild. However, the information disclosure nature makes it valuable to sophisticated attackers targeting specific users or organizations. Prioritize patching for high-value targets, security-sensitive roles, or high-risk users who frequently browse untrusted content. General user populations should patch within normal update windows (days to weeks). The requirement for prior renderer compromise means this is not a one-click exploitation scenario, reducing urgency compared to remote code execution vulnerabilities.

Risk score, explained

The CVSS 3.1 score of 5.3 reflects a Medium severity classification driven by: (1) High confidentiality impact—sensitive memory can be read; (2) Network-based attack vector—the payload is delivered via a webpage; (3) High attack complexity—prior renderer compromise and specific trigger conditions are required; (4) Requirement for user interaction—the user must visit the malicious page; (5) No integrity or availability impact—data is read-only, no modification or system disruption occurs. The score appropriately captures the information disclosure risk while acknowledging the substantial barriers to exploitation.

Frequently asked questions