CVE-2026-11214: Google Chrome iOS Data Leak Vulnerability

Technical summary

CVE-2026-11214 exploits an inappropriate implementation of cross-origin protections in Chrome for iOS, specifically in how the browser handles data isolation between different websites. The vulnerability involves both origin validation failures (CWE-346) and missing cross-site request forgery protections (CWE-352). A remote attacker can craft a malicious HTML page that, when visited by a user, exfiltrates sensitive data from other origins the user is actively browsing. The attack requires user interaction but does not require the victim to be authenticated to any particular service, making it broadly exploitable.

Business impact

Organizations whose users frequently access sensitive web applications on iPhones (banking portals, cloud services, internal dashboards) face exposure of authentication tokens, session data, or personally identifiable information. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in bring-your-own-device (BYOD) environments and organizations with mobile-first workflows. Data exfiltration could lead to account takeovers, fraud, regulatory violations (GDPR, HIPAA), and reputational harm. The medium severity reflects high confidentiality impact but no direct integrity or availability risk.

Affected systems

Google Chrome for iOS versions prior to 149.0.7827.53 are vulnerable. The vulnerability exists on Apple iPhone OS (iOS) devices running affected Chrome versions. Users on iPad also face risk if running the vulnerable Chrome version. This is iOS-specific; the vulnerability does not affect Chrome on Android, macOS, Windows, or Linux based on the disclosed scope.

Exploitability

The vulnerability is directly exploitable without authentication or special privileges. Attack complexity is low: an attacker simply hosts a malicious webpage and lures users to visit it (via phishing, ad injection, social engineering, etc.). User interaction is required—the user must navigate to the attacker's page or interact with it—but this is a reasonable prerequisite for phishing. No zero-click exploitation is implied. The CVSS vector reflects this: network-accessible, low complexity, requiring user interaction, but with no privilege elevation needed.

Remediation

Immediate patching is critical for any organization with iOS users accessing sensitive data through Chrome. Users should update Google Chrome on their iOS devices to version 149.0.7827.53 or later. For organizations, enforce Chrome auto-updates via Mobile Device Management (MDM) policies and consider blocking or restricting Chrome access to sensitive internal applications until all devices are patched. Alternatively, recommend users switch to Safari (which is updated with iOS) or other browsers until patch deployment is verified.

Patch guidance

Google Chrome for iOS is typically updated automatically; however, verify that users have enabled automatic updates in the App Store settings. IT teams managing iOS devices should use MDM solutions to enforce minimum Chrome version 149.0.7827.53 or higher. Check device compliance dashboards to identify systems still running older versions and deploy remediation workflows. Patch this within 5–7 days given the medium severity and ease of exploitation via social engineering.

Detection guidance

Detection is challenging at the endpoint level since exploitation appears as normal HTTPS traffic to a benign-looking webpage. Monitor for anomalous outbound data exfiltration patterns in network logs. Web application firewalls should watch for suspicious Cross-Origin Resource Sharing (CORS) requests or XHR patterns that deviate from expected application behavior. User reports of unexpected authentication logouts or account activity can signal successful exploitation. Consider deploying browser isolation or sandboxing for high-risk users and sensitive web applications.

Why prioritize this

Although marked as medium severity with no active exploitation in the wild (KEV status: not listed), the confluence of low attack complexity, high confidentiality impact, and reliance on user interaction—which is trivial for attackers to trigger via phishing—warrants rapid remediation. The iOS-specific scope limits immediate blast radius, but any organization with mobile workforce access to sensitive systems should treat this as high priority for patch deployment. The 13-day gap between publication and modification suggests active refinement; monitor for any elevation or proof-of-concept disclosure.

Risk score, explained

The CVSS 6.5 (Medium) score accurately reflects the vulnerability's risk. It combines high confidentiality impact (users can lose access to sensitive cross-origin data) with low attack complexity and no authentication requirement, balanced against the user interaction precondition. The lack of integrity or availability impact prevents a higher score. In practice, organizational risk depends on the prevalence of iOS Chrome use within your environment and the sensitivity of data accessible from affected users' browsers.

Frequently asked questions