CVE-2025-3072 Overview
CVE-2025-3072 is a UI spoofing vulnerability in Google Chrome's Custom Tabs implementation. The vulnerability stems from an inappropriate implementation that allows a remote attacker to perform UI spoofing attacks via a crafted HTML page, provided they can convince a user to engage in specific UI gestures. This type of User Interface (UI) Misrepresentation of Critical Information (CWE-451) can be exploited for phishing attacks or to deceive users into performing unintended actions.
Critical Impact
Attackers can manipulate the browser's UI elements to display misleading information, potentially tricking users into divulging sensitive information or interacting with malicious content they believe to be legitimate.
Affected Products
- Google Chrome versions prior to 135.0.7049.52
Discovery Timeline
- April 2, 2025 - CVE-2025-3072 published to NVD
- April 21, 2025 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2025-3072
Vulnerability Analysis
This vulnerability exists within the Custom Tabs feature of Google Chrome, which allows applications to display web content in a customized browser tab. The inappropriate implementation in this component creates an opportunity for attackers to manipulate how UI elements are rendered and displayed to users.
Custom Tabs are designed to provide a seamless browsing experience while maintaining visual trust indicators. However, this flaw allows malicious actors to craft HTML pages that misrepresent critical UI information. The attack requires user interaction through specific UI gestures, making it a socially-engineered attack vector that relies on deceiving users into taking particular actions.
The vulnerability affects the confidentiality and integrity of user interactions, as successful exploitation could lead to phishing attacks where users unknowingly provide credentials to malicious sites or approve actions they believe are legitimate.
Root Cause
The root cause of CVE-2025-3072 lies in the improper validation and rendering of UI elements within Chrome's Custom Tabs implementation. The browser fails to adequately enforce security boundaries that prevent web content from manipulating or spoofing trusted UI components. This allows crafted HTML pages to present misleading visual information to users, violating the principle of accurate UI representation (CWE-451).
Attack Vector
The attack is network-based and requires user interaction. An attacker must:
- Create a specially crafted HTML page designed to exploit the Custom Tabs implementation flaw
- Convince the target user to visit the malicious page
- Trick the user into performing specific UI gestures that trigger the spoofing behavior
Once triggered, the attacker can present spoofed UI elements that appear legitimate, potentially harvesting credentials or gaining unauthorized approvals for malicious actions. The attack does not require any special privileges on the target system.
For detailed technical analysis, refer to the Chromium Issue Tracker Entry.
Detection Methods for CVE-2025-3072
Indicators of Compromise
- Unusual browser behavior when interacting with Custom Tabs, such as unexpected visual changes or prompts
- User reports of suspicious website behavior where UI elements appear inconsistent or deceptive
- Network traffic to known malicious domains associated with phishing campaigns
Detection Strategies
- Monitor for Chrome versions below 135.0.7049.52 across enterprise environments using asset management tools
- Implement web filtering solutions to block known malicious domains leveraging this vulnerability
- Deploy endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions capable of detecting anomalous browser behavior
- Review browser extension activity for any components that may be exploiting Custom Tabs functionality
Monitoring Recommendations
- Enable Chrome's built-in Safe Browsing feature at the enhanced protection level
- Configure centralized logging for browser security events across the organization
- Establish baseline browser behavior metrics to identify anomalous UI interaction patterns
- Monitor for user-reported phishing attempts that may indicate exploitation attempts
How to Mitigate CVE-2025-3072
Immediate Actions Required
- Update Google Chrome to version 135.0.7049.52 or later immediately across all systems
- Educate users about the risks of interacting with suspicious UI prompts or unfamiliar websites
- Review and restrict Custom Tabs usage in mobile applications where possible
- Enable automatic Chrome updates to ensure timely patching of future vulnerabilities
Patch Information
Google has addressed this vulnerability in Chrome version 135.0.7049.52. Organizations should update all Chrome installations to this version or later as soon as possible. For detailed release information, see the Google Chrome Stable Channel Update.
Workarounds
- Exercise caution when interacting with websites that request specific UI gestures or unusual interactions
- Avoid clicking on links from untrusted sources that could lead to malicious Custom Tabs implementations
- Configure enterprise Chrome policies to restrict Custom Tabs behavior where applicable
- Use browser isolation solutions for high-risk browsing activities
# Verify Chrome version on Linux/macOS
google-chrome --version
# Force Chrome update check (Windows)
# Navigate to chrome://settings/help in the browser
# Enterprise deployment - push update via GPO or MDM
# Ensure the minimum version policy is set to 135.0.7049.52
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
