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PatchSiren cyber security CVE debrief

CVE-2026-9962 Google CVE debrief

A use-after-free vulnerability in WebRTC within Google Chrome versions prior to 148.0.7778.216 enables remote code execution inside the browser sandbox. An attacker can exploit this flaw by convincing a user to visit a crafted HTML page, triggering memory corruption during WebRTC session handling. The vulnerability carries a High severity rating from the Chromium security team and an 8.8 CVSS score, reflecting significant confidentiality, integrity, and availability impact with low attack complexity and no privileges required. The underlying weakness is CWE-416 (Use After Free). Google addressed this issue in the Chrome stable channel update released on May 28, 2026. No known exploitation in ransomware campaigns has been documented, and the vulnerability is not listed in CISA's Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog.

Vendor
Google
Product
Chrome
CVSS
HIGH 8.8
CISA KEV
Not listed in stored evidence
Original CVE published
2026-05-28
Original CVE updated
2026-07-21
Advisory published
2026-05-28
Advisory updated
2026-07-21

Who should care

Organizations with unmanaged or slow-to-update Chrome deployments, particularly those in sectors where browser-based attacks are prevalent. Security teams responsible for endpoint protection, patch management, and browser hardening should prioritize this update. Enterprises relying on WebRTC for video conferencing or real-time communications should assess both patching urgency and potential for targeted exploitation.

Technical summary

The vulnerability exists in the WebRTC implementation of Google Chrome before version 148.0.7778.216. A use-after-free condition occurs during WebRTC processing, which can be triggered by a malicious HTML page. Successful exploitation allows arbitrary code execution within the Chrome sandbox. The attack requires user interaction (visiting a malicious page) but no authentication or elevated privileges. The fix was distributed through Chrome's stable channel update mechanism on May 28, 2026.

Defensive priority

high

Recommended defensive actions

  • Update Google Chrome to version 148.0.7778.216 or later immediately.
  • Verify automatic update settings are enabled for Chrome installations across endpoints.
  • Review browser extension and site permissions to reduce exposure to untrusted web content.
  • Monitor for anomalous browser crashes or unexpected WebRTC activity as potential exploitation indicators.
  • Apply enterprise policy controls to restrict or disable WebRTC where not required by business function.

Evidence notes

The CVE description identifies the vulnerability as a use-after-free in WebRTC with sandboxed remote code execution potential via crafted HTML. NVD CPE data confirms affected product as Google Chrome with version bound prior to 148.0.7778.216. The Chromium issue tracker reference (504716948) is marked Permissions Required, indicating restricted access to technical details. CVSS vector AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H supports network attack with user interaction. CWE-416 is listed as the weakness. The vendor advisory from Chrome Releases blog documents the stable channel update timing.

Sources and references

Verified primary and authoritative sources

  • CVE-2026-9962 CVE Program record

    Publisher, destination, and source semantics verified

    URL: https://www.cve.org/CVERecord?id=CVE-2026-9962

    CVE Program - Official CVE Program record with source-provided CVE metadata.

  • CVE-2026-9962 NVD vulnerability detail

    Publisher, destination, and source semantics verified

    URL: https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-9962

    NIST National Vulnerability Database - Official NIST NVD detail page and source-specific vulnerability assessment.

Supplemental references

Methodology and review provenance

AI-assisted synthesis based on stored public vulnerability evidence. System validation, approval state, and publication status do not by themselves establish human review of this revision. PatchSiren helps prioritize defensive review and does not prove exposure or remediation on any system.