CVE-2026-16414
Summary
by MITRE • 07/22/2026
Insufficient validation of untrusted input in Chromecast in Google Chrome prior to 150.0.7871.182 allowed a local attacker to potentially perform a sandbox escape via malicious network traffic. (Chromium security severity: High)
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/22/2026
This vulnerability represents a critical sandbox escape vector in Google Chrome's Chromecast implementation that existed prior to version 150.0.7871.182. The flaw stems from inadequate validation of untrusted input received through network traffic, creating a pathway for local attackers to bypass the browser's security boundaries. The vulnerability falls under the category of insufficient input validation, which is classified as CWE-20 by the Common Weakness Enumeration catalog and represents one of the most prevalent security weaknesses in software systems. When malicious network traffic reaches the Chromecast component, the insufficient validation allows attacker-controlled data to be processed without proper sanitization or verification, potentially enabling privilege escalation within the browser's sandboxed environment.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple local privilege escalation, as it fundamentally compromises the security model that protects users from malicious content. In a typical attack scenario, an attacker would need to establish a network connection to the target system and send specially crafted traffic that exploits the input validation gap in Chromecast's handling of untrusted data. This attack vector is particularly concerning because it operates at the network level while targeting components that are designed to run with restricted privileges, creating a potential pathway for full system compromise. The Chromium security severity rating of High indicates the significant risk this vulnerability poses to user security and privacy.
The technical nature of this flaw demonstrates how modern browsers implement complex multi-layered architectures where each component must properly validate input from potentially malicious sources. Chromecast functionality within Chrome requires handling various types of network data including media streaming information, device discovery protocols, and control commands that are typically considered untrusted. The insufficient validation means that malformed or attacker-controlled data can bypass normal security checks, potentially allowing an attacker to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the browser process. This vulnerability specifically targets the boundary between trusted and untrusted input processing, which aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter and T1548.002 for abuse of group policy objects.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate patching to version 150.0.7871.182 or later, which contains the necessary input validation improvements. Organizations should also implement network segmentation and monitoring to detect unusual traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The remediation process should include verifying that all affected systems have been updated and conducting security audits to ensure no persistent compromise has occurred. Additional protective measures could involve implementing network-based intrusion detection systems that monitor for traffic patterns consistent with this specific vulnerability, as well as maintaining updated threat intelligence feeds related to Chromecast-related exploits. Security teams should also consider disabling Chromecast functionality in environments where the risk of local network attacks is elevated, following the principle of least privilege and reducing attack surface where possible.
This vulnerability serves as a reminder of the complexity inherent in modern browser security models and the critical importance of proper input validation across all components. The sandbox escape capability demonstrates how seemingly isolated components can create chain reactions that undermine broader system security. Security professionals should maintain awareness of similar vulnerabilities in other browser components and related systems, as the underlying patterns of insufficient input validation continue to represent significant risks in software security. The incident underscores the necessity for continuous security testing and monitoring of browser implementations, particularly those handling network-based functionality that interfaces with potentially malicious external sources.