Chrome: Use of Incorrectly-Resolved Name or Reference
CVE-2026-78985 is a critical-severity use of incorrectly-resolved name or reference vulnerability in Chrome from Google, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 9.6 out of 10. It can be exploited remotely over the network by an unauthenticated attacker, but only if a user takes part, for example by opening a link or file. The record lists version 152.0.7977.65 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 0.5% chance of exploitation within 30 days, which is low compared with other CVEs.
Critical severity: a successful attack would have severe impact.
What to do
- Update Chrome to 152.0.7977.65 or a later version.
- Read the advisory on chromereleases.googleblog.com for workarounds and exact fixed builds.
- Until you can update, restrict network access to the affected service so it is not reachable from untrusted networks.
- Because the attack needs a user to take part, warn users about unexpected links and files related to this product until it is patched.
Affected products and versions
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chrome | 152.0.7977.65 up to, but not including, 152.0.7977.65 | 152.0.7977.65 |
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
- NetworkCan be exploited remotely over a network, including the internet.
- Attack complexity
- LowNo special conditions are needed; the attack works reliably.
- Privileges required
- NoneNo account or login is needed.
- User interaction
- RequiredA user must take an action such as opening a file or link.
- Scope
- ChangedThe attack can reach beyond the vulnerable component into other systems.
- 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:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H. Scored by CISA (ADP).
Official description
Incorrect reference resolution in FileSystem in Google Chrome prior to 152.0.7977.65 allowed a remote attacker leveraging social engineering to potentially execute arbitrary code outside the sandbox via a crafted HTML page. (Chromium security severity: Medium)
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Use of Incorrectly-Resolved Name or Reference
The product uses a name or reference to access a resource, but the name/reference resolves to a resource that is outside of the intended control sphere.
More Use of Incorrectly-Resolved Name or Reference vulnerabilities (CWE-706)
Timeline
- CVE record published.
- CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: none, automatable: no, technical impact: total).
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Advisories
Other references
- issues.chromium.org/issues/500038021Permissions Required
Other vulnerabilities in Chrome
- 8.8 High severity
- 8.8 High severity
- 8.8 High severity
- 8.8 High severity
- 8.8 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
Recent Use of Incorrectly-Resolved Name or Reference vulnerabilities
- 9.1 Critical severity
- 8.7 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 8.8 High severity
- 7.2 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
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