CVE-2025-0438 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE • 01/15/2025
Stack buffer overflow in Tracing in Google Chrome prior to 132.0.6834.83 allowed a remote attacker to potentially exploit stack corruption via a crafted HTML page. (Chromium security severity: High)
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/19/2025
This vulnerability represents a critical stack buffer overflow condition within the tracing functionality of google chrome browser version 132.0.6834.83 and earlier. The flaw exists in how the browser processes certain tracing operations that can lead to unauthorized memory corruption during execution. The vulnerability is classified as high severity by chromium security team, indicating significant risk to user systems and data integrity. The attack vector requires a remote attacker to craft a malicious html page that specifically triggers the vulnerable code path within the tracing component.
The technical implementation of this buffer overflow occurs when the browser's tracing subsystem processes malformed input data that exceeds allocated stack buffer boundaries. This type of vulnerability falls under the common weakness enumeration category CWE-121 which specifically addresses stack-based buffer overflow conditions. When the malicious html page is loaded, the tracing engine attempts to store data beyond the intended buffer limits, causing corruption of adjacent stack memory locations. This memory corruption can potentially overwrite critical program execution data including return addresses, function pointers, or other control structures necessary for proper program flow.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios. A successful exploitation could enable remote code execution on the victim's system, allowing attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the chrome browser process. This represents a significant threat to user security as it could lead to complete system compromise, data theft, or installation of persistent malware. The vulnerability affects all users running affected chrome versions regardless of their security awareness or system configurations, making it particularly dangerous in widespread deployment scenarios.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate browser updates to version 132.0.6834.83 or later where the vulnerability has been patched. Organizations should implement network-level protections such as web application firewalls and content filtering solutions that can detect and block malicious html content. Browser hardening measures including disabling unnecessary tracing features and implementing strict content security policies can reduce exploitation surface. Additionally, users should maintain awareness of phishing attempts and suspicious web content that could deliver the malicious payloads. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of keeping browser software updated regularly and following security best practices recommended by organizations such as the cve numbering authority and nist cybersecurity framework.