CyberSecBulletin
CVE-2026-76037NVD status: Analyzed

Chrome: Improper Link Resolution Before File Access

CVE-2026-76037 is a high-severity improper link resolution before file access vulnerability in Chrome from Google, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 8.4 out of 10. It can be exploited with local access to the system by an unauthenticated attacker, without any action from a user. The record lists version 151.0.7922.169 as the first without the flaw, so updating Chrome to that release or later removes the exposure. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 0.15% chance of exploitation within 30 days, which is low compared with other CVEs.

Next patch cycle

High severity with no evidence of exploitation so far.

What to do

  1. Update Chrome to 151.0.7922.169 or a later version.
  2. Read the advisory on chromereleases.googleblog.com for workarounds and exact fixed builds.

Affected products and versions

VendorProductAffected versionsFixed in
GoogleChrome151.0.7922.169 up to, but not including, 151.0.7922.169151.0.7922.169

Version data comes from the organisation that assigned the CVE. Confirm against the vendor advisory before deciding you are unaffected.

How the severity score breaks down

Attack vector
LocalThe attacker needs local access or must trick a user into running something.
Attack complexity
LowNo special conditions are needed; the attack works reliably.
Privileges required
NoneNo account or login is needed.
User interaction
NoneNo action by a victim is required.
Scope
UnchangedImpact stays within the vulnerable component.
Confidentiality
HighAll data handled by the component can be read.
Integrity
HighData or code can be modified at will.
Availability
HighThe component can be taken down completely.

Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H. Scored by CISA (ADP).

Official description

Link following in CredentialProvider in Google Chrome on on Windows prior to 151.0.7922.169 allowed a local attacker to potentially execute arbitrary code outside the sandbox via a local program. (Chromium security severity: High)

Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.

The underlying weakness: Improper Link Resolution Before File Access

The product attempts to access a file based on the filename, but it does not properly prevent that filename from identifying a link or shortcut that resolves to an unintended resource.

How developers prevent this class of flaw

  • Follow the principle of least privilege when assigning access rights to entities in a software system. Denying access to a file can prevent an attacker from replacing that file with a link to a sensitive file. Ensure good compartmentalization in the system to provide protected areas that can be trusted.

More Improper Link Resolution Before File Access vulnerabilities (CWE-59)

Timeline

  1. CVE record published.
  2. CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: none, automatable: no, technical impact: total).
  3. Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).

References

Other references

Other vulnerabilities in Chrome

All Chrome vulnerabilities

Recent Improper Link Resolution Before File Access vulnerabilities

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