CVE-2026-85042
9.6Google · Chrome
A use after free vulnerability in Google Chrome DevTools allows a remote attacker to execute arbitrary code outside the sandbox via a crafted HTML page.
Executive summary
A critical use after free vulnerability in Google Chrome allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected systems, posing a severe risk to device integrity and user data.
Vulnerability
The flaw is a use after free vulnerability (CWE-416) located within the DevTools component. An unauthenticated remote attacker can trigger this vulnerability by enticing a user to navigate to a specifically crafted HTML page.
Business impact
The ability for an attacker to execute arbitrary code outside the browser sandbox represents a total compromise of the affected host system. Given the CVSS score of 9.6, this vulnerability poses a significant risk of data exfiltration, malware installation, and complete loss of system control, which could lead to widespread operational disruption and reputational damage.
Remediation
Immediate Action: Update Google Chrome to version 152.0.7977.82 or later immediately to apply the vendor security patch.
Proactive Monitoring: Security teams should monitor endpoint logs for unusual browser activity or unexpected child processes spawned by the Chrome executable.
Compensating Controls: While browser-based exploits are difficult to block via traditional perimeter defenses, enforcing endpoint security policies and using web filtering to block access to untrusted or malicious domains can reduce the likelihood of a successful attack.
Exploitation status
Public Exploit Available: No (exploit_available: false)
Analyst recommendation
This vulnerability is critical due to the potential for remote code execution and sandbox escape. IT administrators should prioritize the deployment of the latest Chrome update across all managed environments to neutralize this threat. Delaying this update leaves systems vulnerable to advanced exploitation techniques that bypass standard browser protections.