CVE-2026-11010: Chrome Android WebShare Sandbox Escape

Technical summary

CVE-2026-11010 is a use-after-free vulnerability (CWE-416) in the WebShare implementation within Google Chrome on Android versions prior to 149.0.7827.53. The flaw permits a compromised renderer process to craft a malicious HTML page that triggers unsafe memory access in the WebShare code path. By exploiting the use-after-free condition, an attacker can break out of the renderer sandbox and potentially execute arbitrary code with system-level permissions. The vulnerability requires user interaction (visiting the crafted page) but not prior authentication or special privileges.

Business impact

Organizations and individuals using Chrome on Android face a two-stage attack risk: first, the renderer process must be compromised through a separate vulnerability or attack vector; second, this vulnerability transforms that limited compromise into a full system takeover. For enterprises managing Android fleets, this increases the effective severity of any renderer-process flaw and creates incentive for attackers to chain exploits. Data exfiltration, unauthorized system access, and device theft of credentials become viable post-exploitation outcomes.

Affected systems

Google Chrome on Android versions before 149.0.7827.53 are affected. Desktop and iOS Chrome versions are not impacted by this particular flaw. The vulnerability is specific to the Android implementation of WebShare and does not affect Chrome on Windows, macOS, or Linux. Organizations should verify their deployed Chrome version against the minimum patched release.

Exploitability

Exploitation requires a renderer process compromise as a prerequisite, which limits the immediate attack surface compared to remote code execution flaws. However, once the renderer is compromised—a scenario increasingly common via drive-by downloads or watering-hole attacks—this vulnerability becomes a reliable sandbox escape. The use-after-free condition is triggered via user interaction (visiting a crafted page), making social engineering or drive-by attacks viable delivery mechanisms. The overall attack chain is complex but not theoretical.

Remediation

Update Google Chrome on Android to version 149.0.7827.53 or later. Users can verify their version in Chrome Settings > About Chrome, which will auto-update if enabled. For enterprise Android deployments, ensure managed Chrome instances are configured to receive updates or manually push the patched version through Mobile Device Management (MDM) tools. No workarounds exist; patching is the only remediation.

Patch guidance

Verify that your Chrome on Android installation runs version 149.0.7827.53 or newer. Enable automatic updates in Chrome settings to ensure continuous protection against future variants. Enterprise deployments using Mobile Device Management should update Chrome through their MDM policy to enforce compliance. Test the update in a non-production environment if your organization manages dedicated Android devices, though the risk of regression is minimal for a security patch.

Detection guidance

Monitor for unusual process behavior on Android devices running Chrome, particularly privilege escalation attempts or unexpected system calls from the Chrome process. On enterprise networks, track Chrome version compliance via MDM telemetry. Intrusion detection systems may observe post-exploitation artifacts (e.g., unexpected network connections or file modifications) following a successful sandbox escape, but detection of the exploit itself requires kernel-level inspection tools. Focus detection efforts on lateral movement and data access patterns post-compromise rather than the vulnerability trigger itself.

Why prioritize this

Although not yet listed in CISA's Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog, this vulnerability warrants high priority because it enables sandbox escape—a critical step in multi-stage attacks. Any organization or user that depends on Chrome's sandbox to contain compromised renderers should treat this as urgent. The combination of a HIGH CVSS score (8.3) and the real-world prevalence of renderer compromises makes this a strong candidate for rapid patching. Delay increases the window in which a compromised renderer becomes a full system compromise.

Risk score, explained

The CVSS 3.1 score of 8.3 (HIGH) reflects the high impact (confidentiality, integrity, and availability all scored as high) and the requirement for a prior renderer compromise and user interaction (attack complexity high, no privileges required for the initial render compromise). The score appropriately captures the severity of the sandbox escape outcome while acknowledging that the prerequisite renderer compromise limits the immediate attack surface. The network attack vector and cross-security boundary impact (from renderer to system) justify the elevated score.

Frequently asked questions