CVE-2025-6554 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE • 07/01/2025
Type confusion in V8 in Google Chrome prior to 138.0.7204.96 allowed a remote attacker to perform arbitrary read/write via a crafted HTML page. (Chromium security severity: High)
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/02/2025
This vulnerability represents a critical type confusion flaw in the V8 JavaScript engine that powers Google Chrome and Chromium-based browsers. The issue stems from improper handling of object types during runtime execution, creating a scenario where the engine incorrectly interprets the data type of objects in memory. Such type confusion vulnerabilities are particularly dangerous because they can lead to unpredictable behavior and memory corruption that attackers can exploit to execute arbitrary code. The vulnerability affects versions prior to 138.0.7204.96 and has been classified as high severity by the Chromium security team, indicating significant risk to user systems. The flaw specifically manifests when processing crafted HTML content that triggers malformed type handling within the V8 engine's memory management subsystem.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through a remote code execution vector where attackers craft malicious HTML pages that, when loaded in affected browsers, cause the V8 engine to perform incorrect type operations. This type confusion allows attackers to manipulate memory layout and potentially achieve arbitrary read/write capabilities, enabling them to bypass modern security mitigations such as address space layout randomization and data execution protection. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple code execution to potentially allow privilege escalation or information disclosure. Attackers can leverage this flaw to read sensitive memory regions, write malicious code into memory, or manipulate object layouts to achieve their objectives. The underlying mechanism involves the V8 engine's optimization processes that assume certain object types during JIT compilation, creating opportunities for attackers to inject malicious data types that confuse the engine's type system.
The operational impact of CVE-2025-6554 is severe for end users and organizations relying on Chrome-based browsers for daily operations. Remote attackers can exploit this vulnerability through web-based attacks without requiring user interaction beyond visiting a malicious website, making it particularly dangerous for enterprise environments where users may encounter phishing sites or compromised web resources. The vulnerability can be exploited in various contexts including targeted attacks against specific users, mass phishing campaigns, or supply chain compromises where malicious code is injected into legitimate websites. Organizations face significant risk of data breaches, system compromise, and potential lateral movement within their networks if users visit compromised sites. The high severity classification indicates that this vulnerability is likely to be actively exploited in the wild, with attackers developing and deploying exploit code rapidly after disclosure.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability primarily focus on immediate remediation through browser updates to version 138.0.7204.96 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the type confusion issue in V8. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management processes to ensure all affected systems receive updates promptly. Additional protective measures include deploying web application firewalls, implementing content security policies, and using browser hardening techniques such as disabling unnecessary JavaScript features. Security teams should monitor for exploitation attempts through network traffic analysis and endpoint detection systems that can identify suspicious memory access patterns or unusual JavaScript behavior. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-476 which describes NULL pointer dereference, and may also relate to ATT&CK techniques involving privilege escalation and execution through web-based attacks. Organizations should also consider implementing user education programs to reduce the risk of accidental exposure to malicious websites and maintain regular security assessments to identify potential exploitation vectors.