CVE-2025-13632 Overview
CVE-2025-13632 is a sandbox escape vulnerability in the DevTools component of Google Chrome versions prior to 143.0.7499.41. The flaw stems from an inappropriate implementation that allows a crafted Chrome Extension to break out of the browser sandbox. Exploitation requires user interaction — specifically, the user must be convinced to install a malicious extension. Google's Chromium project rated the internal security severity as High, while the assigned CVSS 3.1 score is 5.4. The vulnerability affects Chrome on Windows, macOS, and Linux platforms.
Critical Impact
A malicious Chrome Extension can leverage DevTools behavior to escape the renderer sandbox, undermining a core Chrome security boundary and exposing the host operating system to further attack.
Affected Products
- Google Chrome versions prior to 143.0.7499.41
- Chrome on Microsoft Windows
- Chrome on Apple macOS and Linux
Discovery Timeline
- 2025-12-02 - CVE-2025-13632 published to NVD following the Chrome Stable channel update
- 2026-06-17 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2025-13632
Vulnerability Analysis
The vulnerability resides in Chrome's DevTools implementation, which exposes privileged debugging surfaces to the browser. An attacker who convinces a user to install a malicious extension can invoke DevTools functionality in a way the implementation does not properly constrain. This lets the extension operate outside the boundaries the renderer sandbox is designed to enforce. Google classifies the underlying weakness under [CWE-194] (Unexpected Sign Extension), indicating a numeric handling error contributes to the incorrect behavior. The bug requires user interaction and yields limited confidentiality and availability impact per the CVSS vector, but the security boundary it crosses — the sandbox — is a foundational Chrome control.
Root Cause
The root cause is an inappropriate implementation within DevTools that mishandles values or messages originating from an extension context. Combined with the sign-extension weakness identified by CWE-194, the DevTools code path can be manipulated to reach operations that should remain isolated from extension-supplied input. Chromium developers addressed the defect in the Stable channel release referenced in the Google Chrome Security Update.
Attack Vector
Exploitation requires the victim to install a crafted Chrome Extension published or side-loaded by the attacker. Once installed, the extension interacts with DevTools APIs to trigger the vulnerable path and escape the sandbox. Because Chrome extensions can be distributed through the Chrome Web Store, malicious repackaging, or social engineering campaigns, attackers commonly pair this class of bug with lure sites and typosquatted extension names. Technical details are tracked in the Chromium Issue Tracker Entry.
Detection Methods for CVE-2025-13632
Indicators of Compromise
- Installation of unfamiliar Chrome extensions, particularly those requesting debugger or devtools permissions in their manifest.
- Chrome child processes spawning unexpected binaries or shells on Windows, macOS, or Linux endpoints.
- Outbound connections from Chrome to attacker-controlled infrastructure shortly after extension installation.
Detection Strategies
- Inventory installed Chrome extensions across managed endpoints and compare against an approved allowlist.
- Alert on Chrome versions below 143.0.7499.41 reported by endpoint telemetry or asset management systems.
- Hunt for extensions declaring the debugger API permission and correlate with recent installation events.
Monitoring Recommendations
- Forward Chrome extension install and update events from managed browsers to a central logging platform.
- Monitor process lineage where chrome.exe, Google Chrome Helper, or chrome on Linux spawn interpreters or system utilities.
- Track user agent and browser version distribution to identify endpoints lagging behind the patched build.
How to Mitigate CVE-2025-13632
Immediate Actions Required
- Update Google Chrome to version 143.0.7499.41 or later on all Windows, macOS, and Linux endpoints.
- Restart Chrome after the update to ensure the patched binaries are loaded.
- Audit installed extensions and remove any that are unrecognized, unmaintained, or unnecessary.
Patch Information
Google released the fix in the Chrome Stable channel update announced on December 2, 2025. Administrators should deploy 143.0.7499.41 or newer through their enterprise browser management channel. Details are available in the Google Chrome Security Update and the Chromium Issue Tracker Entry.
Workarounds
- Enforce an extension allowlist through Chrome Enterprise policy ExtensionInstallAllowlist and block all others with ExtensionInstallBlocklist.
- Restrict extension installation to the Chrome Web Store and disable developer mode for non-developer users.
- Educate users to avoid installing unsolicited extensions, especially those delivered via email, chat, or untrusted websites.
# Example Chrome Enterprise policy (Windows registry) restricting extensions
reg add "HKLM\Software\Policies\Google\Chrome\ExtensionInstallBlocklist" /v 1 /t REG_SZ /d "*" /f
reg add "HKLM\Software\Policies\Google\Chrome\ExtensionInstallAllowlist" /v 1 /t REG_SZ /d "<approved-extension-id>" /f
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
