CVE-2025-0446
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows malicious Chrome extensions to spoof user interface elements through specific UI gestures. Users who install crafted extensions and perform certain gestures are affected. The attack requires user interaction and extension installation.
💻 Affected Systems
- Google Chrome
- Chromium-based browsers
📦 What is this software?
Chrome by Google
Google Chrome is the world's most popular web browser, used by over 3 billion users globally across Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS platforms. As a Chromium-based browser developed by Google, Chrome dominates the browser market with approximately 65% market share, making it a critical compon...
Learn more about Chrome →⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Attackers could trick users into revealing sensitive information or performing unintended actions by displaying fake login prompts, payment screens, or other deceptive interfaces.
Likely Case
Phishing attacks where users are tricked into entering credentials into fake dialog boxes that appear legitimate.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if users only install trusted extensions from official sources and are cautious about unusual UI behavior.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires convincing users to install a malicious extension and perform specific gestures. No public exploit code has been identified.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 132.0.6834.83 and later
Vendor Advisory: https://chromereleases.googleblog.com/2025/01/stable-channel-update-for-desktop_14.html
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Open Chrome menu > Help > About Google Chrome. 2. Chrome will automatically check for updates. 3. If update is available, click 'Relaunch' to apply. 4. For enterprise deployments, use Chrome Enterprise policies to deploy version 132.0.6834.83 or later.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable extension installation
allPrevent users from installing new extensions to block malicious ones
For enterprise: Configure Chrome policy 'ExtensionInstallBlocklist' to '*'
Review installed extensions
allAudit and remove suspicious or unnecessary extensions
chrome://extensions/
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement extension allowlisting to only permit vetted extensions
- Educate users about extension risks and phishing awareness
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check Chrome version in menu > Help > About Google Chrome. If version is below 132.0.6834.83, system is vulnerable.Check Version:
On command line: google-chrome --version (Linux) or "C:\Program Files\Google\Chrome\Application\chrome.exe" --version (Windows)Verify Fix Applied:
Confirm Chrome version is 132.0.6834.83 or higher after update.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual extension installation events
- User reports of suspicious dialog boxes
Network Indicators:
- Downloads of extensions from non-Chrome Web Store sources
SIEM Query:
source="chrome_extension_logs" AND event="install" AND extension_id NOT IN (approved_list)