External risk intelligence

Chrome ANGLE Type Confusion Vulnerability Allows Code Execution.

CVE advisorySeverity: CRITICAL (CVSS 9.6)

CVE-2026-78904

This vulnerability exists in a web browser, which is a client-side application designed to interact with and render content from the public internet by default. While it requires user interaction, the application's primary purpose is internet navigation, making the vulnerable surface commonly exposed to web-based content.

Google Chrome

before 152.0.7977.65

Halo Surface Signal: 4 out of 5 — likely to be public-facing.

External exposure likelihood

Horizon Alert

Summary of the vulnerability and why it matters

A type confusion vulnerability in ANGLE, a component used by Google Chrome, has been identified. This issue could allow a remote attacker to execute arbitrary code outside the browser's sandbox by luring a user to a specially crafted web page. The potential impact is significant, as it could compromise user systems.

Code execution risk via web pages.
High severity, impacts common internet use.
Confirm browser versions and user exposure.

Attack Path

How an attacker could exploit the issue

A remote attacker can trick a user into visiting a malicious HTML page. This page would then trigger a type confusion vulnerability within ANGLE, a component of Google Chrome. Successful exploitation could allow the attacker to execute arbitrary code outside the browser's sandbox.

Requires no special privileges.
Triggered by visiting a crafted HTML page.
Risk of arbitrary code execution outside sandbox.

Live Threat

Current exploitation, exposure, and threat context

A type confusion vulnerability in ANGLE, a graphics engine used by Google Chrome, could allow a remote attacker to execute arbitrary code outside the browser's sandbox. This may occur when a user visits a specially crafted HTML page, potentially leading to broader system compromise when supported by the advisory.

Arbitrary code execution outside sandbox.
Via a crafted HTML page.
Potential system compromise.

Operational Fix

Recommended remediation, mitigation, and detection steps

This critical vulnerability in ANGLE, affecting Google Chrome, requires action from teams responsible for end-user computing and browser management. The immediate first step is to identify all Chrome deployments, determine their reachability and business criticality, and then ascertain the accountable owner for each instance. This will inform a risk-based remediation plan, potentially involving coordinated updates or temporary mitigations.

Own browser deployments and user impact.
Verify Chrome installations and exposure.
Plan and coordinate updates for users.

Supplementary metadata

CVSS vector

Validate whether this threat affects your internet-facing exposure.

Halo Threat Intelligence helps prioritize remediation with Halo Surface Signal and H/A/L/O context. Start exposure validation with a free external attack surface trial.

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Frequently asked questions

What is Google Chrome ANGLE?

ANGLE is a graphics abstraction layer within Google Chrome that translates various graphics API calls into formats the underlying hardware and operating system can process. By enabling hardware acceleration, it allows the browser to render complex 3D web content and animations efficiently, serving as a critical bridge between web-based graphics and your computer's GPU.

What does type confusion mean for CVE-2026-78904?

Type confusion (CWE-843) occurs when software incorrectly assumes a piece of data is of one type when it is actually another. In this CVE, an attacker exploits how ANGLE processes specific data structures. Because the browser treats the input as an incorrect type, it creates a logic flaw that may allow a remote attacker to bypass security boundaries, such as the browser's sandbox, to execute unauthorized code.

How is this vulnerability triggered?

This flaw is triggered when a user visits a website containing specially crafted HTML content designed to manipulate the ANGLE component. It is important to note that simply having the browser installed does not trigger the bug; the vulnerability requires the rendering of specific malicious web content, meaning that standard, safe web browsing does not automatically activate the underlying issue.

Is my system at risk from this CVE?

Because Google Chrome is a client-side application built to process public internet content, Halo Surface Signal identifies this as a highly relevant risk. Even if your internal network is secure, the browser's primary function—connecting to the public internet—means that any user browsing external sites faces potential exposure. Systems that are frequently used for web navigation are the most likely targets for this type of attack.

How do I address this Chrome vulnerability?

The most effective way to secure your environment is to verify your current browser versions against the fixed release. Start by inventorying your Chrome installations to understand where the software is deployed across your organization. Once identified, prioritize updating those instances to version 152.0.7977.65 or later, which contains the necessary security patches to resolve this type confusion issue.

References

Written by Nicholas Merritt

Nicholas Merritt is VP of Security Solutions at Halo Security. With more than 25 years across application security, vulnerability prioritization, and offensive security, he helps teams translate threat data into practical exposure validation and remediation focus. He authors Halo Threat Intelligence CVE advisories using Halo Surface Signal and H/A/L/O context to prioritize internet-facing risk.