CVE-2026-17983
Summary
by MITRE • 07/30/2026
Inappropriate implementation in Global Media Controls in Google Chrome prior to 151.0.7922.72 allowed a remote attacker to perform UI spoofing via a crafted HTML page. (Chromium security severity: Low)
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/30/2026
The vulnerability resides in the Global Media Controls component of Google Chrome, which handles media playback controls across the browser interface. This particular flaw represents an inadequate implementation that fails to properly validate or sanitize user-supplied content within the media control framework. The issue affects versions prior to 151.0.7922.72 and manifests as a UI spoofing attack vector that can be exploited remotely through maliciously crafted HTML pages. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation mechanisms that allow attacker-controlled content to manipulate the visual presentation of media controls, potentially misleading users about the actual source or nature of media content they are interacting with.
The technical exploitation occurs when a remote attacker crafts an HTML page containing specially designed media control elements that bypass Chrome's normal security boundaries. This allows the malicious content to present false interface elements that appear to be legitimate browser controls while actually serving malicious purposes. The flaw operates at the user interface level rather than at deeper system components, making it particularly concerning for social engineering attacks where users might be deceived into performing unintended actions based on misleading visual cues. This type of vulnerability aligns with CWE-74 and CWE-75, which address improper neutralization of special elements used in a different context.
The operational impact of this UI spoofing vulnerability extends beyond simple visual deception to potentially enable more sophisticated attacks such as phishing attempts, credential theft through misleading interface elements, or manipulation of user interactions with media content. Users may be tricked into believing they are interacting with legitimate browser controls while actually engaging with attacker-controlled elements that can capture input or redirect navigation. The low severity classification does not diminish the potential for abuse in targeted social engineering campaigns where attackers can leverage the UI spoofing capability to create convincing fake interfaces that exploit user trust in familiar browser elements.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate browser updates to version 151.0.7922.72 or later, which contain patches addressing the validation gaps in the Global Media Controls implementation. Network administrators should implement additional layers of protection including content filtering systems and security policy enforcement that can detect and block suspicious HTML content containing known malicious patterns. Browser hardening measures such as disabling unnecessary media control features and implementing strict content security policies can further reduce attack surface exposure. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of maintaining robust input validation across all user interface components, particularly those that interact with external content, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for UI spoofing and T1566 for social engineering attacks through malicious content delivery.