CVE-2025-3074 Overview
CVE-2025-3074 is a UI spoofing vulnerability in Google Chrome's Downloads component that exists in versions prior to 135.0.7049.52. This inappropriate implementation flaw allows a remote attacker to perform user interface spoofing attacks via a specially crafted HTML page, potentially deceiving users about the nature or source of downloaded files.
Critical Impact
Attackers can manipulate the download interface to mislead users, potentially leading to the execution of malicious files disguised as legitimate content.
Affected Products
- Google Chrome versions prior to 135.0.7049.52
Discovery Timeline
- April 2, 2025 - CVE-2025-3074 published to NVD
- April 21, 2025 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2025-3074
Vulnerability Analysis
This vulnerability falls under CWE-451 (User Interface (UI) Misrepresentation of Critical Information). The flaw exists in how Chrome's Downloads component renders and displays download information to users. When processing specially crafted HTML pages, the browser fails to properly validate and display download-related UI elements, creating an opportunity for attackers to manipulate what users see during the download process.
The network-based attack vector requires user interaction, as victims must visit a malicious webpage for the exploit to trigger. Once a user navigates to the attacker-controlled page, the crafted HTML can manipulate the download UI to misrepresent critical information about files being downloaded.
Root Cause
The root cause lies in an inappropriate implementation within Chrome's Downloads handling logic. The browser does not adequately sanitize or validate certain UI elements when presenting download information, allowing malicious HTML to influence how downloads appear to users. This implementation gap enables attackers to craft deceptive download prompts that can mislead users about file types, sources, or authenticity.
Attack Vector
The attack requires a victim to visit a malicious website containing specially crafted HTML. The attacker hosts a webpage designed to exploit the Downloads component's UI rendering vulnerability. When the victim interacts with the page, the crafted content manipulates the download interface to display misleading information.
This could manifest as displaying a fake download dialog that mimics legitimate browser UI, spoofing the filename or file type indicator to make malicious files appear safe, or misrepresenting the download source to gain user trust. For technical details on the specific implementation issue, refer to the Chromium Issue Tracker Entry.
Detection Methods for CVE-2025-3074
Indicators of Compromise
- Unusual download prompts or dialogs that appear inconsistent with standard Chrome behavior
- User reports of downloaded files differing from what was displayed in the download UI
- Web traffic to pages attempting to manipulate download-related DOM elements or browser UI
- Suspicious HTML pages with complex or obfuscated download-triggering mechanisms
Detection Strategies
- Monitor for Chrome browser versions below 135.0.7049.52 across the enterprise environment
- Implement web filtering to detect and block known malicious pages exploiting this vulnerability
- Deploy browser telemetry to identify anomalous download behavior patterns
- Utilize endpoint detection solutions to correlate suspicious web visits with unexpected file downloads
Monitoring Recommendations
- Enable Chrome browser logging to track download events and associated webpage sources
- Monitor for user complaints about misleading download dialogs or unexpected file types
- Track browser version compliance across endpoints to ensure timely patching
- Implement network monitoring to detect traffic to known exploit distribution sites
How to Mitigate CVE-2025-3074
Immediate Actions Required
- Update Google Chrome to version 135.0.7049.52 or later immediately
- Verify Chrome auto-update functionality is enabled across all managed endpoints
- Educate users about verifying downloads before execution, especially from untrusted sources
- Consider implementing browser policies to restrict downloads from unknown or untrusted sites
Patch Information
Google has addressed this vulnerability in Chrome version 135.0.7049.52, released as part of the stable channel update. Organizations should update all Chrome installations to this version or later to remediate the vulnerability. The patch corrects the inappropriate implementation in the Downloads component to prevent UI spoofing attacks.
For official patch details, see the Google Chrome Stable Update.
Workarounds
- Enable Chrome's Safe Browsing feature to provide additional protection against malicious sites
- Implement enterprise browser policies to restrict automatic downloads
- Use web filtering solutions to block access to untrusted or suspicious domains
- Train users to verify file properties after download and before execution
- Consider using browser isolation technologies for high-risk browsing activities
# Verify Chrome version from command line
google-chrome --version
# Force Chrome update via enterprise management
# Using Chrome Browser Cloud Management or Group Policy:
# Set "ChromeUpdateBehavior" to auto-update
# Ensure update server connectivity
# Check Chrome policies applied
chrome://policy/
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
