CVE-2026-11287: Chrome Android Navigation Bypass Vulnerability Analysis

Technical summary

CVE-2026-11287 is a policy enforcement failure in Chrome's Navigation subsystem on Android. The vulnerability stems from insufficient validation of navigation directives when the renderer process has been compromised. An attacker controlling the renderer can craft HTML content that bypasses the browser's navigation policy controls, enabling arbitrary navigation. The vulnerability is classified under improper input validation (CWE-20) and missing authorization checks (CWE-602). While Chromium rates the severity as Low, the CVSS 3.1 scoring reflects the integrity impact of successful exploitation.

Business impact

For organizations managing Android devices with Chrome, this vulnerability presents a limited but meaningful risk: users whose browsers are already compromised could be silently redirected to malicious or fraudulent sites, potentially enabling phishing, credential harvesting, or exposure to secondary malware. However, the attack chain requires a prior renderer compromise, which limits the immediate attack surface. Enterprises should prioritize patching in environments where browser security is critical or where users access sensitive systems via Chrome.

Affected systems

Google Chrome on Android versions prior to 149.0.7827.53 are affected. This includes both current and slightly older releases on the Android platform. Desktop versions of Chrome are not affected; the vulnerability is specific to the Android implementation of the Navigation system.

Exploitability

Exploitation requires two conditions: (1) an attacker must already control the Chrome renderer process, and (2) the user must interact with a crafted HTML page delivered through that compromised context. The renderer compromise itself might result from a separate vulnerability or attack. The user interaction requirement and the need for prior renderer compromise reduce real-world exploitability compared to direct web-based attack scenarios. The vulnerability is not currently listed in CISA's Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog.

Remediation

Update Google Chrome on Android to version 149.0.7827.53 or later. This patch addresses the policy enforcement gap and restores proper navigation restriction controls. Organizations should enforce Chrome updates across managed Android devices through mobile device management (MDM) policies where applicable.

Patch guidance

Patch availability: Google has released Chrome 149.0.7827.53 containing the fix for this vulnerability. Users can update through Google Play Store or automatic update mechanisms. MDM administrators should deploy the update through their management console and verify rollout across enrolled Android devices. Verify the applied version matches 149.0.7827.53 or later before clearing the vulnerability from your tracking systems.

Detection guidance

Detection is challenging at the network level because the crafted HTML is served over standard HTTPS and the malicious navigation may not trigger typical security gateway signatures. Focus on endpoint monitoring: track unexpected navigation events and browser redirects on Android devices, particularly those that occur after suspected renderer compromise indicators. Monitor for unusual permission requests or suspicious app behavior on Android devices running Chrome. Review browser history and navigation logs on compromised devices for anomalous redirect patterns.

Why prioritize this

Despite the Chromium assessment of Low severity, the CVSS score of 6.5 (Medium) reflects the integrity impact of successful exploitation. Prioritize patching in tiers: (1) immediately for devices used by high-value targets or those accessing sensitive services, (2) within 30 days for standard enterprise fleets, (3) monitor for any real-world exploitation activity before forced deployment. The requirement for prior renderer compromise mitigates urgency compared to direct-exploit vulnerabilities, but the integrity impact warrants timely response.

Risk score, explained

The CVSS 3.1 score of 6.5 (Medium severity) is driven by high integrity impact (I:H) coupled with network accessibility (AV:N) and low attack complexity (AC:L). However, the requirement for user interaction (UI:R) and the prerequisite renderer compromise reduce the practical exploitability in comparison to unauthenticated remote code execution vulnerabilities. The Medium classification appropriately reflects a concerning but manageable risk that should not trigger emergency response protocols.

Frequently asked questions