In some cases it is possible to update title of artist/release (or more) from within the search box. Result can be seen in this cancelled edit:
https://musicbrainz.org/edit/58380144

How to reproduce:

1. Edit something, eg add release
2. Go to recordings on the tracklist, click option.
3. Paste link in the search box
4. This normally generates the recording, but in these rare cases the title will not show up, but the ID stays.

5. Try to fix by going back one screen, refresh. Will not work, as the title seems updated.

(Hope I have explained enough).

My guess: the api has an update option when using this route for search.