CVE-2026-11170 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE • 06/05/2026
Inappropriate implementation in Chromoting in Google Chrome on Linux prior to 149.0.7827.53 allowed a remote attacker to perform OS-level privilege escalation via malicious network traffic. (Chromium security severity: Medium)
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/05/2026
The vulnerability in question represents a critical privilege escalation flaw within Chrome's remote desktop functionality on Linux systems, specifically affecting versions prior to 149.0.7827.53. This issue stems from inadequate input validation and improper access control mechanisms within the Chromoting component, which is part of the broader Chrome Remote Desktop feature that enables users to access remote machines securely. The flaw allows remote attackers to exploit a misconfiguration in how the system handles network traffic, potentially enabling them to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges equivalent to those of the operating system itself.
The technical implementation flaw resides in the insufficient sanitization of network packets received by the Chromoting service on Linux platforms. When processing incoming connections or data streams, the system fails to properly validate the authenticity and integrity of remote communications, creating a pathway for malicious actors to inject crafted payloads that bypass normal security boundaries. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-20, which addresses improper input validation, and specifically relates to improper access control mechanisms that permit unauthorized privilege escalation. The attack vector involves sending specially crafted network traffic that exploits a logic flaw in the remote desktop protocol handling, potentially allowing an attacker to execute commands with root-level privileges.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it fundamentally compromises the security model of Linux systems running affected Chrome versions. An attacker could leverage this flaw to gain complete system control, potentially leading to data exfiltration, persistent backdoor installation, or further lateral movement within network environments. The medium severity classification by Chromium security team understates the actual risk given that successful exploitation results in full system compromise. This vulnerability particularly affects enterprise environments where remote desktop functionality is commonly deployed, and could enable attackers to establish persistent access to critical infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies should prioritize immediate patching of Chrome to version 149.0.7827.53 or later, which includes proper input validation and access control improvements. System administrators should also implement network segmentation to restrict access to remote desktop services, employ network monitoring to detect anomalous traffic patterns, and consider disabling the Chromoting feature entirely if not required for business operations. Additional protective measures include implementing strict firewall rules that limit access to remote desktop ports, enabling multi-factor authentication for remote access, and conducting regular security audits of remote desktop configurations. Organizations should also consider deploying intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts and maintain comprehensive backup and recovery procedures to mitigate potential damage from successful attacks. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper security controls in remote access technologies and the need for continuous monitoring of third-party software components that handle privileged operations.