CVE-2025-10502: Google Chrome Buffer Overflow Vulnerability

CVE-2025-10502 Overview

A heap buffer overflow vulnerability exists in the ANGLE (Almost Native Graphics Layer Engine) component of Google Chrome prior to version 140.0.7339.185. This memory corruption flaw allows a remote attacker to potentially exploit heap corruption via malicious network traffic. ANGLE is a critical graphics abstraction layer used by Chrome to translate OpenGL ES API calls to platform-specific graphics APIs like DirectX, Metal, or Vulkan.

Critical Impact
Remote attackers can potentially achieve arbitrary code execution by exploiting heap corruption through specially crafted network traffic targeting the ANGLE graphics rendering component.

Affected Products

Google Chrome versions prior to 140.0.7339.185
Google Chrome on Apple macOS
Google Chrome on Linux
Google Chrome on Microsoft Windows

Discovery Timeline

September 24, 2025 - CVE-2025-10502 published to NVD
September 25, 2025 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2025-10502

Vulnerability Analysis

This vulnerability is classified as CWE-122 (Heap-based Buffer Overflow), a memory corruption issue occurring when data is written beyond the boundaries of allocated heap memory. In the context of ANGLE, this overflow can be triggered during the processing of graphics-related operations when Chrome renders web content.

The heap buffer overflow in ANGLE represents a particularly dangerous class of vulnerability because graphics rendering operations are performed frequently during normal browsing activities. When processing malicious network traffic, the ANGLE component fails to properly validate buffer boundaries, leading to memory corruption that can be leveraged for further exploitation.

Root Cause

The root cause lies in improper bounds checking within the ANGLE graphics abstraction layer. When processing certain graphics operations received via network traffic, the component allocates a heap buffer but fails to adequately validate the size or content of incoming data before writing to memory. This oversight allows data to overflow beyond the allocated buffer boundaries, corrupting adjacent heap memory structures.

Attack Vector

The attack requires user interaction where a victim must visit a malicious website or be served malicious content through a compromised advertisement or other web delivery mechanism. The attacker crafts network traffic containing malformed graphics data designed to trigger the buffer overflow during ANGLE's rendering process. Upon successful exploitation, the attacker may achieve heap corruption which could potentially lead to arbitrary code execution within the context of the Chrome renderer process.

The network-based attack vector combined with the user interaction requirement means exploitation typically occurs through:

Malicious websites hosting specially crafted WebGL or Canvas content
Compromised advertisements leveraging graphics APIs
Drive-by download scenarios targeting vulnerable Chrome installations

Detection Methods for CVE-2025-10502

Indicators of Compromise

Unexpected Chrome renderer process crashes with heap corruption signatures
Anomalous network traffic patterns involving malformed graphics data
Chrome crash reports indicating ANGLE-related memory violations
Unusual memory allocation patterns in Chrome processes

Detection Strategies

Monitor for Chrome crash reports specifically mentioning ANGLE or graphics subsystem failures
Implement network inspection for malformed WebGL or graphics-related payload patterns
Deploy endpoint detection for heap corruption indicators in Chrome processes
Enable Chrome's built-in crash reporting and analyze for exploitation patterns

Monitoring Recommendations

Enable enhanced logging for Chrome browser processes across the enterprise
Monitor network traffic for connections to known malicious domains serving graphics exploits
Track Chrome version deployment to identify systems running vulnerable versions
Implement browser-level telemetry to detect unusual renderer process behavior

How to Mitigate CVE-2025-10502

Immediate Actions Required

Update Google Chrome to version 140.0.7339.185 or later immediately
Enable automatic updates for Chrome to ensure timely security patches
Audit enterprise environments for Chrome installations below the patched version
Consider implementing browser isolation for high-risk users until patching is complete

Patch Information

Google has released a security update addressing this vulnerability in Chrome version 140.0.7339.185. The patch is available for all supported platforms including Windows, macOS, and Linux. Organizations should prioritize deployment of this update given the network-accessible attack vector.

For detailed patch information, refer to the Google Chrome Stable Channel Update. Additional technical details are available at Chromium Issue Tracker #438038775.

Workarounds

Restrict access to untrusted websites through web filtering solutions
Disable WebGL in Chrome settings (chrome://flags/#disable-webgl) if graphics functionality is not required
Implement network-level filtering to block known malicious traffic patterns
Use browser isolation technologies to contain potential exploitation attempts

bash

# Verify Chrome version and update status
# On Windows (PowerShell)
(Get-Item "C:\Program Files\Google\Chrome\Application\chrome.exe").VersionInfo.FileVersion

# On macOS
/Applications/Google\ Chrome.app/Contents/MacOS/Google\ Chrome --version

# On Linux
google-chrome --version

# Force Chrome update check
# Navigate to chrome://settings/help in the browser