CVE-2025-0443 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE • 01/15/2025
Insufficient data validation in Extensions in Google Chrome prior to 132.0.6834.83 allowed a remote attacker who convinced a user to engage in specific UI gestures to perform privilege escalation via a crafted HTML page. (Chromium security severity: Medium)
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/19/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2025-0443 represents a critical weakness in Google Chrome's extension handling mechanism that stems from inadequate input validation within the browser's extension framework. This flaw exists in versions prior to 132.0.6834.83 and creates a pathway for remote attackers to exploit user interactions through specifically crafted HTML content. The issue manifests when users are convinced to perform particular user interface gestures, which then triggers a privilege escalation exploit that could potentially allow attackers to gain elevated system access or execute malicious code with extension-level privileges. The vulnerability falls under the category of insufficient data validation, which is classified as CWE-20 by the Common Weakness Enumeration catalog, representing one of the most prevalent categories of software vulnerabilities.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the trust model that exists between Chrome's extension system and user interactions. When a user visits a malicious webpage containing crafted HTML elements, the extension framework fails to properly validate the data being processed, particularly when specific UI gestures are performed. This validation failure allows attackers to manipulate the extension's behavior and potentially elevate their privileges beyond what is normally permitted. The attack vector requires user interaction, making it a type of social engineering exploit that leverages the trust users place in web content while simultaneously exploiting the browser's extension architecture. The Chromium security severity rating of medium indicates that while the vulnerability doesn't immediately compromise system integrity, it provides a significant foothold for attackers to escalate their privileges and potentially gain access to sensitive user data or system resources.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it could enable attackers to access user data, manipulate browser extensions, and potentially intercept sensitive communications. When a user performs the specific UI gestures, the malicious extension could gain access to resources that should normally be restricted, including file system access, network communications, or the ability to read and write user data. This vulnerability particularly affects users who have installed extensions that provide elevated permissions, as these extensions become potential targets for exploitation. The remote nature of the attack means that users don't need to download or install anything additional, as the exploit is delivered through standard web browsing activities, making it particularly dangerous in environments where users frequently visit untrusted websites or where social engineering attacks are common.
Security mitigations for CVE-2025-0443 primarily focus on updating to the patched version of Google Chrome, specifically version 132.0.6834.83 or later, which includes enhanced input validation mechanisms within the extension framework. Organizations should implement immediate patch management procedures to ensure all users are protected against this vulnerability. Additionally, browser hardening measures such as restricting extension permissions, implementing content security policies, and using security extensions that monitor for suspicious behavior can provide additional layers of protection. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving privilege escalation and social engineering, with the attack chain potentially involving initial access through malicious web content followed by privilege escalation through extension manipulation. Network administrators should also consider implementing web filtering solutions and monitoring for suspicious extension-related activities that could indicate exploitation attempts. Regular security awareness training for users about the dangers of performing specific UI gestures on untrusted websites can significantly reduce the risk of successful exploitation, as the vulnerability specifically requires user interaction to be effective.