CVE-2026-106251 Overview
CVE-2026-106251 is a user interface (UI) misrepresentation vulnerability in the Chromoting component of Google Chrome on macOS. The flaw affects Chrome versions prior to 155.0.8059.39. A remote attacker can send crafted network traffic to spoof UI elements in the Chrome Remote Desktop (Chromoting) interface. Successful exploitation requires user interaction and social engineering. Google classifies the Chromium security severity as Low, while the National Vulnerability Database (NVD) assigns a medium rating. The weakness maps to [CWE-451: User Interface (UI) Misrepresentation of Critical Information].
Critical Impact
Remote attackers can spoof UI elements in Chrome Remote Desktop on macOS, deceiving users into performing unintended actions during remote sessions.
Affected Products
- Google Chrome on macOS prior to version 155.0.8059.39
- Chromoting (Chrome Remote Desktop) component
- Apple macOS running vulnerable Chrome builds
Discovery Timeline
- 2026-10-06 - CVE-2026-106251 published to NVD
- 2026-10-07 - Last updated in NVD database
- Google released a fix in the Chrome Stable channel update referenced in the Google Chrome Stable Update
Technical Details for CVE-2026-106251
Vulnerability Analysis
The vulnerability resides in Chromoting, the component that powers Chrome Remote Desktop on macOS. Chromoting negotiates sessions and renders UI elements that convey remote session state, connection prompts, and permission dialogs. The flaw allows a remote attacker to transmit crafted network traffic that causes the browser to render misleading UI information. Users relying on these UI cues to make trust decisions can be deceived into granting access or taking unintended actions during a remote session.
Because the attack requires user interaction, exploitation depends on social engineering. The attacker must induce the victim to initiate or accept a Chromoting interaction while the attacker controls or influences the traffic the client processes. Impact is limited to confidentiality and availability at low levels, with no direct integrity change recorded.
Root Cause
The root cause is improper validation and presentation of session-state data received over the network by Chromoting. The component renders attacker-influenced content in UI chrome without adequate separation between trusted application UI and remote-derived data. This matches the [CWE-451] pattern, where critical information is misrepresented in a way that misleads the user.
Attack Vector
The attack is network-based and requires no privileges but requires the user to interact with a Chromoting prompt or session. A remote attacker crafts network traffic consumed by the Chrome Remote Desktop client on macOS to spoof dialog text, host identity, or session controls. The attacker then uses social engineering, such as a tailored invitation or support pretext, to steer the victim toward a malicious action. No verified proof-of-concept exploit is publicly available. See the Chromium Issue #556237314 for upstream tracking.
Detection Methods for CVE-2026-106251
Indicators of Compromise
- Chrome Remote Desktop sessions on macOS endpoints running Chrome builds older than 155.0.8059.39.
- Unexpected Chromoting connection prompts correlated with inbound social engineering attempts over email or chat.
- Outbound Chromoting traffic to hosts not previously approved by the user or IT administration.
Detection Strategies
- Inventory installed Chrome versions on macOS fleets and flag any build below 155.0.8059.39.
- Alert on Chrome Remote Desktop process activity (remoting_host, remoting_me2me_host) on endpoints where remote support is not sanctioned.
- Correlate Chromoting session initiation events with recent phishing or help-desk impersonation reports.
Monitoring Recommendations
- Collect browser version telemetry centrally and track patch compliance against Chrome Stable releases.
- Monitor macOS endpoint logs for Chrome Remote Desktop installation, launch, and connection events.
- Review network flow records for unexpected destinations associated with Google Chromoting infrastructure.
How to Mitigate CVE-2026-106251
Immediate Actions Required
- Update Google Chrome on all macOS endpoints to version 155.0.8059.39 or later.
- Restart Chrome after the update to ensure the Chromoting component loads the patched code.
- Communicate guidance to end users warning against accepting unsolicited Chrome Remote Desktop invitations.
Patch Information
Google released the fix in the Chrome Stable channel. Deploy the update tracked in the Google Chrome Stable Update. Verify builds report 155.0.8059.39 or higher via chrome://settings/help. Enterprise administrators should push the update through managed software distribution and confirm compliance across the macOS fleet.
Workarounds
- Disable or uninstall Chrome Remote Desktop on macOS endpoints that do not require remote assistance.
- Restrict Chromoting usage through enterprise policy until the patched Chrome build is deployed.
- Require secondary verification (phone or chat) before users accept any Chrome Remote Desktop session invitation.
# Verify installed Chrome version on macOS
/Applications/Google\ Chrome.app/Contents/MacOS/Google\ Chrome --version
# Enterprise policy example: disable Chrome Remote Desktop host
# Place in /Library/Managed Preferences/com.google.Chrome.plist
defaults write com.google.Chrome RemoteAccessHostFirewallTraversal -bool false
defaults write com.google.Chrome RemoteAccessHostAllowRemoteSupportConnections -bool false
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.