CVE-2025-5065 Overview
CVE-2025-5065 is a UI spoofing vulnerability in Google Chrome's FileSystemAccess API that allows remote attackers to mislead users through crafted HTML pages. The inappropriate implementation in the FileSystemAccess API enables attackers to manipulate the user interface in ways that could deceive users about the true nature of file system operations they are authorizing.
Critical Impact
Remote attackers can exploit this vulnerability to perform UI spoofing attacks via maliciously crafted HTML pages, potentially tricking users into granting unauthorized file system access or performing unintended actions.
Affected Products
- Google Chrome versions prior to 137.0.7151.55
Discovery Timeline
- 2025-05-27 - CVE-2025-5065 published to NVD
- 2025-05-29 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2025-5065
Vulnerability Analysis
This vulnerability stems from an inappropriate implementation in Chrome's FileSystemAccess API, which is designed to allow web applications to interact with files on the user's local file system. The flaw is classified under CWE-451 (User Interface (UI) Misrepresentation of Critical Information), indicating that the browser fails to accurately represent critical information to users during file system access operations.
The FileSystemAccess API provides web applications with powerful capabilities to read, write, and manage files on a user's device. When this API's user interface components do not correctly convey the nature or scope of the requested permissions, attackers can exploit this gap to trick users into authorizing malicious operations they did not intend to approve.
Root Cause
The root cause is an inappropriate implementation within the FileSystemAccess API's user interface handling. The vulnerability falls under CWE-451, which describes scenarios where critical security information is misrepresented or improperly displayed to users. In this case, the API fails to accurately communicate file system access requests, allowing attackers to craft deceptive UI elements that mislead users about the true nature of their actions.
Attack Vector
The attack is network-based and requires user interaction. An attacker must craft a malicious HTML page that exploits the FileSystemAccess API implementation flaw. When a victim navigates to this page and interacts with the spoofed UI elements, they may unknowingly grant file system permissions or perform actions they did not intend.
The attack scenario typically involves:
- An attacker creates a malicious website with crafted HTML content
- The victim is lured to visit the malicious page through phishing or other social engineering techniques
- The page exploits the FileSystemAccess API vulnerability to display misleading UI elements
- The victim interacts with what appears to be legitimate file system dialogs
- The victim unknowingly grants access or performs unintended file operations
For technical details on the specific implementation flaw, refer to the Chromium Issue Tracker Entry.
Detection Methods for CVE-2025-5065
Indicators of Compromise
- Unusual file system access requests from web pages that appear inconsistent with displayed UI elements
- Browser activity logs showing FileSystemAccess API calls from untrusted or unfamiliar domains
- User reports of unexpected file operations or permission grants after visiting suspicious websites
Detection Strategies
- Monitor browser telemetry for anomalous FileSystemAccess API usage patterns
- Implement web content filtering to block known malicious domains exploiting this vulnerability
- Deploy endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions to identify suspicious browser-initiated file system activity
- Review web proxy logs for access to pages containing crafted HTML exploiting FileSystemAccess API
Monitoring Recommendations
- Enable Chrome security logging to capture FileSystemAccess API events
- Configure SentinelOne agents to monitor for unusual file system operations initiated by browser processes
- Implement network monitoring for connections to domains associated with UI spoofing attacks
- Establish baseline browser behavior to detect anomalies in file system access patterns
How to Mitigate CVE-2025-5065
Immediate Actions Required
- Update Google Chrome to version 137.0.7151.55 or later immediately
- Verify all Chrome installations across the organization are updated using enterprise management tools
- Educate users about the risks of interacting with file system permission dialogs on untrusted websites
- Consider temporarily restricting FileSystemAccess API permissions through Chrome enterprise policies
Patch Information
Google has released a security update addressing this vulnerability in Chrome version 137.0.7151.55. Organizations should apply this update through their standard browser update procedures. For detailed release information, see the Google Chrome Update Announcement.
Workarounds
- Disable the FileSystemAccess API via Chrome enterprise policies if not required for business operations
- Implement strict web filtering to block access to untrusted sites that may attempt UI spoofing attacks
- Train users to be cautious when granting file system permissions to web applications
- Consider using browser isolation technologies to sandbox potentially malicious web content
# Chrome enterprise policy example to restrict FileSystemAccess API
# Add to Chrome policies to limit API access to trusted origins
# Registry path for Windows:
# HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Google\Chrome
# Example: Block FileSystemAccess API on untrusted sites
# Configure FileSystemReadAskForUrls and FileSystemWriteAskForUrls policies
# to restrict which sites can prompt for file system access
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
