CVE-2026-11012: Chrome Android Use-After-Free Sandbox Escape Vulnerability

Technical summary

CVE-2026-11012 is a use-after-free vulnerability (CWE-416) in the Serial API implementation within Google Chrome and Android's Chromium-derived browser. The flaw resides in memory management of the Serial interface; when objects are freed but subsequently accessed by crafted JavaScript in a malicious HTML page, heap corruption can occur. An attacker must first compromise the renderer process—typically through a separate vulnerability or social engineering—to reach the attack surface. Once in-renderer, a carefully constructed HTML payload can trigger the use-after-free condition, allowing escape from the renderer sandbox and execution with higher privileges. This is a two-stage attack requiring initial renderer compromise as a prerequisite.

Business impact

For organizations managing Android devices where Chrome is the primary browser, this vulnerability creates a two-tier risk: standard phishing or credential-harvesting attacks become more dangerous if they can deliver payloads to a compromised renderer, and any existing renderer vulnerabilities become more valuable as stepping stones to full device compromise. Financial institutions, healthcare providers, and enterprises with sensitive mobile workflows should assess their Chrome version distribution on Android. The HIGH CVSS score reflects potential for data theft, malware installation, or lateral movement within enterprise networks if devices are compromised. However, real-world impact depends on the prevalence of prior renderer exploits in the threat ecosystem.

Affected systems

Google Chrome on Android versions prior to 149.0.7827.53 are vulnerable. This includes all stable and extended-support releases below that version. The vulnerability does not affect Chrome on Windows, macOS, Linux, or iOS. Desktop Chrome users are not impacted. Organizations should verify their Android device Chrome version via Settings > About Chrome and confirm automatic updates are enabled.

Exploitability

Exploitation requires a two-step attack chain: first, a renderer process compromise (from a separate vulnerability, malware, or social engineering), then delivery of malicious HTML to trigger the use-after-free. The CVSS vector reflects high impact (C:H/I:H/A:H) but high complexity (AC:H) and the need for user interaction (UI:R). As of the vulnerability publication date, this issue is not listed in CISA's KEV catalog, suggesting active exploitation in the wild is not yet documented at scale. However, the attack pattern—sandbox escape via heap corruption—is well-understood in Chrome security research, making proof-of-concept development feasible once renderer access is achieved.

Remediation

Organizations must upgrade Chrome on Android devices to version 149.0.7827.53 or later. Enable automatic updates through Play Store settings to ensure devices patch without manual intervention. For enterprises managing devices via Mobile Device Management (MDM) solutions, enforce a minimum Chrome version requirement in compliance policies. Monitor Chrome version compliance through device inventory tools; prioritize patching for high-risk user segments (finance, HR, executive roles). As a defense-in-depth measure, educate users to avoid clicking suspicious links or downloading files from untrusted sources—this reduces the initial renderer compromise risk that makes this vulnerability exploitable.

Patch guidance

Update Chrome to version 149.0.7827.53 or later. On Android, patches are typically delivered via Google Play. Users can manually check for updates in Settings > Apps > Chrome > Update, or enable auto-update via Play Store settings (default for most users). Enterprise administrators using managed Play Store accounts can push the update fleet-wide. Note that devices must have functioning Play Store access and sufficient free storage; establish pre-update communication to ensure compliance. Verify post-update by checking Settings > About Chrome, which will display the running version number.

Detection guidance

Monitor Chrome version numbers across your Android device fleet using MDM or SIEM integration with mobile device telemetry. Alert on devices running Chrome versions below 149.0.7827.53. If using Android Enterprise or Knox-enabled Samsung devices, check Mobile Threat Defense logs for suspicious Serial API activity or unexpected privilege escalation attempts. Behavioral indicators include abnormal inter-process communication (IPC) from Chrome and unexpected native code execution on the device. Examine Play Store install logs for any suspicious apps installed immediately after a Chrome exploit; this may indicate post-breach lateral movement.

Why prioritize this

Despite HIGH CVSS (8.3) and broad Chrome exposure on Android, real-world urgency is tempered by: (1) KEV non-inclusion suggests limited documented wild exploitation, (2) two-stage attack requirement reduces casual exploitation risk, (3) many enterprise Android devices run older Chrome versions not yet at scale, and (4) sandbox escape impact is severe but localized to the device. Prioritize for organizations with high-risk mobile user bases, financial/healthcare sectors, or BYOD programs. For general enterprises, standard patching cycles within 60 days are appropriate; expedite if renderer-exploit campaigns emerge.

Risk score, explained

The CVSS 3.1 score of 8.3 (HIGH) results from: maximum impact potential (confidentiality, integrity, and availability all high due to sandbox escape), but mitigated by attack complexity requiring prior compromise (AC:H) and user interaction (UI:R). The scope change (S:C) indicates the vulnerability can affect resources beyond the vulnerable component—i.e., other device processes and data once sandbox is breached. The score appropriately reflects that a sandbox escape is a critical capability, but only in the hands of attackers who have already achieved renderer process access. This is not a one-click remote code execution vulnerability, but a high-value second stage in a multi-stage attack.

Frequently asked questions