# CVE-2026-5281: Google Chrome use after free in Dawn

Source: https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-5281-google-chrome-use-after-free-in-dawn  
Publisher: Junglewise Threat Intelligence, https://junglewise.ai/threats  
Published: 2026-04-01. Updated: 2026-07-24  
License: CC BY 4.0 with a link back

CVE-2026-5281 · Severity: critical · CVSS 8.8 · Exploited in the wild · Published 2026-04-01

A critical security flaw has been identified in Google Chrome's Dawn component, which handles graphics processing. An attacker can exploit this vulnerability by tricking a user into visiting a malicious website, potentially allowing the attacker to take full control of the user's computer. This issue is particularly serious as it is known to be actively exploited by attackers in the wild.

Technologies: [Apple macOS](https://junglewise.ai/threats/technologies/macos), [Google Chrome](https://junglewise.ai/threats/technologies/chrome), [Linux Kernel](https://junglewise.ai/threats/technologies/kernel), [Microsoft Edge](https://junglewise.ai/threats/technologies/edge), [Microsoft Windows](https://junglewise.ai/threats/technologies/windows), [Opera Software Opera](https://junglewise.ai/threats/technologies/opera). Vendors: [Apple](https://junglewise.ai/threats/vendors/apple), [Google](https://junglewise.ai/threats/vendors/google), [Linux](https://junglewise.ai/threats/vendors/linux), [Microsoft](https://junglewise.ai/threats/vendors/microsoft), [Opera Software](https://junglewise.ai/threats/vendors/opera-software).

## Quick answers

**Is CVE-2026-5281 exploited in the wild?** Yes. CVE-2026-5281 is known to be exploited in the wild, first recorded on 1 April 2026. Treat it as urgent.

**How severe is CVE-2026-5281?** Critical severity, with a CVSS score of 8.8, published 1 April 2026.

**Which products and versions are affected?** Google Chrome prior to 146.0.7680.178, Prior to 146.0.7680.178; Microsoft Edge All versions based on Chromium prior to 146.0.7680.178; Opera Software Opera All versions based on Chromium prior to 146.0.7680.178.

**Is there a fix for CVE-2026-5281?** A patch was published on 2026-03-31: Google released Chrome version 146.0.7680.178 to address the issue. Junglewise finds every place you run it, drafts the upgrade and applies it once you approve.

**How is CVE-2026-5281 attacked?** It is attacked over the network, in a web application.

**Am I affected by CVE-2026-5281?** Check whether you run Apple macOS, Google Chrome, Google Dawn or one of the others listed at an affected version. Junglewise does that check for you around the clock: connect your code, cloud and domains, and it matches new vulnerabilities like this one against what you actually run and tells you when one reaches you.

## Technical details

A use-after-free (UAF) vulnerability exists in Dawn, the WebGPU implementation in Chromium. The flaw (CWE-416) can be triggered by a remote attacker via a crafted HTML page. Exploitation requires the attacker to have already compromised the renderer process (a 'sandbox escape' or 'chain' scenario). Successful exploitation allows for arbitrary code execution in the context of the browser. Google has confirmed that this vulnerability is being exploited in the wild. The issue is resolved in Chrome version 146.0.7680.178 and later.

## Affected products

- Google Chrome prior to 146.0.7680.178
- Microsoft Edge
- Opera Opera

## Timeline

- 2026-03-10: disclosed: Vulnerability reported to Chrome by researcher.
- 2026-03-31: patched: Google released Chrome version 146.0.7680.178 to address the issue.
- 2026-04-01: advisory: NVD and CISA published advisories.
- 2026-04-01: kev added: CISA added the vulnerability to the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog.
- 2026-04-01: exploited: Google confirmed active exploitation in the wild.

## References

- [https://chromereleases.googleblog.com/2026/03/stable-channel-update-for-desktop_31.html](https://chromereleases.googleblog.com/2026/03/stable-channel-update-for-desktop_31.html)
- [https://issues.chromium.org/issues/491518608](https://issues.chromium.org/issues/491518608)

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