Use after free in Updater in Google Chrome on Mac prior to 151
Description
Use after free in Updater in Google Chrome on Mac prior to 151
AI Analyst Comment
Remediation
Apply vendor security updates immediately. Monitor for exploitation attempts and review access logs.
---METADATA---
VENDOR: Google
PRODUCT: Chrome
AFFECTED_VERSIONS: Google Chrome 151.0.7922.72
CONFIDENCE: high
MISSING: none
---END_METADATA---
Description Summary:
A use after free vulnerability exists in the Updater component of Google Chrome on macOS, potentially allowing for arbitrary code execution.
Executive Summary:
A use after free vulnerability in the Google Chrome Updater for macOS creates a high risk of unauthorized system access and code execution.
Vulnerability Details
CVE-ID: CVE-2026-17716
Affected Software: Google Chrome
Affected Versions: Google Chrome 151.0.7922.72
Vulnerability: This is a use after free vulnerability (CWE-416) located in the Updater component of the browser. The vulnerability is accessible locally and does not require authentication or user interaction to facilitate an attack.
Business Impact
With a CVSS score of 8.4, this vulnerability poses a significant threat to macOS environments. Exploitation could allow an attacker to gain elevated privileges or execute malicious commands, resulting in a total loss of confidentiality, integrity, and availability on the compromised host.
Remediation Plan
Immediate Action: Update Google Chrome to version 151.0.7922.72 or later to address the vulnerable Updater component.
Proactive Monitoring: Monitor system logs for unexpected execution patterns or instability within the Chrome update process.
Compensating Controls: Utilize endpoint detection and response tools to monitor for unauthorized modifications to browser-related binaries.
Exploitation Status
Public Exploit Available: No
Analyst Notes: As of July 31, 2026, there is no public information indicating active exploitation or a public proof-of-concept for this vulnerability. The vulnerability is inherently dangerous due to its location in the update mechanism, which often runs with elevated system permissions.
Analyst Recommendation
Due to the critical nature of the Updater component, administrators must treat this as a high-priority update. Immediate deployment of the patched version is required to secure macOS endpoints against potential exploitation.