CVE-2025-13631: Google Chrome Privilege Escalation Flaw

CVE-2025-13631 Overview

CVE-2025-13631 is a privilege escalation vulnerability affecting Google Chrome's Updater component on macOS. The vulnerability stems from an inappropriate implementation that allows a remote attacker to escalate privileges through a specially crafted file. This vulnerability was rated as High severity by Chromium security and affects Google Chrome versions prior to 143.0.7499.41.

Critical Impact

Remote attackers can achieve privilege escalation on affected macOS systems running vulnerable versions of Google Chrome by delivering a crafted malicious file.

Affected Products

• Google Chrome on macOS prior to version 143.0.7499.41
• Google Chrome on Linux prior to version 143.0.7499.41
• Google Chrome on Windows prior to version 143.0.7499.41

Discovery Timeline

• 2025-12-02 - CVE-2025-13631 published to NVD
• 2025-12-04 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2025-13631

Vulnerability Analysis

The vulnerability exists within the Google Updater component of Google Chrome on macOS. The inappropriate implementation creates a security gap that can be exploited through user interaction with a maliciously crafted file. Once exploited, an attacker can achieve privilege escalation on the target system.

The attack requires network access and some degree of user interaction, such as downloading and opening a crafted file. Upon successful exploitation, the attacker gains elevated privileges which could result in complete compromise of confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected system.

Root Cause

The root cause lies in an inappropriate implementation within the Google Updater component. While specific technical details have not been fully disclosed (classified as NVD-CWE-noinfo), the vulnerability relates to improper handling of file operations or permissions within the updater process on macOS systems. The Google Updater typically runs with elevated privileges to perform system-level updates, making it an attractive target for privilege escalation attacks.

Attack Vector

The attack is network-based, requiring an attacker to deliver a crafted file to the victim. The exploitation scenario typically involves:

1. Attacker creates a malicious file designed to exploit the Google Updater vulnerability
2. The file is delivered to the victim through various means (email, download, etc.)
3. User interaction is required to trigger the vulnerability
4. Upon successful exploitation, the attacker gains elevated privileges through the Google Updater component

The vulnerability mechanism operates through the interaction between malicious file content and the Google Updater's file handling routines. When the updater processes the crafted file, the inappropriate implementation allows privilege boundaries to be bypassed. For detailed technical analysis, refer to the Chromium Issue Tracker Entry.

Detection Methods for CVE-2025-13631

Indicators of Compromise

• Unusual file activity related to Google Chrome update processes on macOS
• Suspicious privilege escalation events originating from GoogleUpdater processes
• Unexpected child processes spawned from Google Chrome updater components with elevated privileges
• Anomalous file system modifications in Chrome update directories

Detection Strategies

• Monitor for unusual process behavior from GoogleUpdater or related Chrome update processes
• Implement endpoint detection rules to identify privilege escalation attempts from browser-related processes
• Deploy file integrity monitoring on Chrome update directories to detect tampering
• Configure alerts for any unexpected elevation of privileges originating from user-space browser components

Monitoring Recommendations

• Enable detailed process auditing on macOS endpoints running Google Chrome
• Implement network traffic analysis to identify delivery of potentially malicious files
• Deploy SentinelOne agents with behavioral AI to detect privilege escalation patterns
• Monitor for unusual file downloads followed by Chrome updater activity

How to Mitigate CVE-2025-13631

Immediate Actions Required

• Update Google Chrome to version 143.0.7499.41 or later immediately
• Audit systems for any signs of exploitation or unusual privilege escalation events
• Review recent file downloads and user activity on affected systems
• Consider temporarily restricting Chrome auto-update functionality until patch deployment is verified

Patch Information

Google has released a security patch addressing this vulnerability in Chrome version 143.0.7499.41. The fix addresses the inappropriate implementation in the Google Updater component. Organizations should prioritize updating all macOS systems running vulnerable versions of Google Chrome.

Refer to the Google Chrome Desktop Update for official patch details and additional security fixes included in this release.

Workarounds

• Implement network-level controls to filter potentially malicious file downloads
• Apply application allowlisting to prevent execution of unauthorized files
• Configure endpoint protection solutions to monitor and block suspicious privilege escalation attempts
• Restrict user permissions to minimize the impact of potential exploitation

# Verify Chrome version on macOS
/Applications/Google\ Chrome.app/Contents/MacOS/Google\ Chrome --version
# Expected output should show version 143.0.7499.41 or higher

# Force Chrome update check
/Applications/Google\ Chrome.app/Contents/MacOS/Google\ Chrome --check-for-update