CVE-2026-17998
Summary
by MITRE • 07/30/2026
Incorrect security UI in Extensions in Google Chrome prior to 151.0.7922.72 allowed an attacker who convinced a user to install a malicious extension to perform UI spoofing via a crafted Chrome Extension. (Chromium security severity: Low)
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/30/2026
This vulnerability relates to a weakness in the user interface security mechanisms of google chrome extensions system prior to version 151.0.7922.72. the flaw allowed malicious actors to manipulate the visual presentation of extension interfaces in ways that could deceive users into believing they were interacting with legitimate chrome components rather than malicious software. the vulnerability specifically targeted the security user interface elements that chrome uses to display information about installed extensions and their permissions.
the technical implementation of this flaw stemmed from insufficient validation mechanisms within chrome's extension management system that controlled how extension interfaces were rendered and displayed to end users. attackers could craft malicious extensions that would present misleading visual elements, potentially mimicking chrome's own interface components or other trusted applications. this type of ui spoofing attack operates under the principle that users often trust familiar interface patterns and may not notice subtle discrepancies in appearance or behavior that indicate a security risk.
the operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple deception as it could enable attackers to harvest sensitive user information, manipulate extension permissions, or conduct phishing attacks against unsuspecting chrome users. when combined with social engineering tactics, the ability to present convincing fake interfaces significantly increases the likelihood of successful attacks. users might unknowingly grant elevated privileges or enter confidential data into what appears to be legitimate chrome components.
from a cybersecurity perspective this vulnerability aligns with common attack patterns documented in the attack technique framework under the category of ui spoofing and social engineering. it also relates to specific weakness classifications found in the common weakness enumeration catalog, particularly those concerning user interface security controls and trust boundary violations. the low severity rating assigned by chromium indicates that while the vulnerability could be exploited, it was considered less critical than other security flaws. however, the potential for user deception and subsequent compromise makes this a significant concern for organizations relying on chrome extensions for productivity or security functions.
effective mitigations include immediate updating of chrome to version 151.0.7922.72 or later, which addressed the specific ui rendering issues in extension interfaces. organizations should also implement additional user education programs focused on recognizing suspicious extension behavior and interface anomalies. administrators can consider implementing strict extension approval processes and monitoring for unauthorized extension installations within their networks. regular security audits of installed extensions and user access controls can help prevent exploitation attempts. the vulnerability demonstrates the ongoing importance of maintaining current software versions as security patches often address subtle but significant interface security weaknesses that could otherwise enable sophisticated social engineering attacks against end users.