Overview
CVE-2025-13637 is a low-severity security vulnerability discovered in Google Chrome’s Downloads functionality. This flaw, present in versions prior to 143.0.7499.41, could allow a remote attacker to bypass download protections by tricking a user into performing specific UI gestures on a specially crafted HTML page. While rated as low severity by Chromium security, understanding the potential impact is crucial for maintaining a secure browsing environment.
Technical Details
The vulnerability stems from an inappropriate implementation within the Downloads component of Google Chrome. An attacker could construct a malicious HTML page designed to manipulate user interaction with the browser’s UI. By convincing a user to perform specific actions, such as clicking in certain areas or dragging and dropping elements, the attacker could potentially circumvent Chrome’s built-in download security measures. This bypass could lead to the user inadvertently downloading and executing malicious files.
CVSS Analysis
Currently, there is no CVSS score assigned to CVE-2025-13637. This is likely due to its relatively low severity rating and the requirement for user interaction to exploit the vulnerability. However, the potential for malicious code execution warrants prompt action.
Possible Impact
While the vulnerability is rated as low severity, the potential impact should not be ignored. Successful exploitation of CVE-2025-13637 could lead to:
- Inadvertent download and execution of malware.
- Compromise of user data.
- System instability.
The severity is mitigated by the requirement for user interaction; the attacker must convince the user to perform specific actions on the malicious web page.
Mitigation and Patch Steps
The primary mitigation step is to update Google Chrome to version 143.0.7499.41 or later. Google has addressed this vulnerability in these versions. To update Chrome:
- Click on the three dots (menu) in the top-right corner of the Chrome browser.
- Go to “Help” -> “About Google Chrome”.
- Chrome will automatically check for updates and install them.
- Restart Chrome to complete the update process.
Additionally, users should exercise caution when interacting with unfamiliar websites and be wary of any prompts that seem suspicious or out of the ordinary.
References
- Google Chrome Stable Channel Update: chromereleases.googleblog.com
- Chromium Issue Tracker: issues.chromium.org
