Description
Use after free in Metrics in Google Chrome prior to 137.0.7151.119 allowed a remote attacker to potentially exploit heap corruption via a crafted HTML page. (Chromium security severity: High)
EPSS Score:
0%
Comprehensive Technical Analysis of EUVD-2025-18662
1. Vulnerability Assessment and Severity Evaluation
The vulnerability described in EUVD-2025-18662 is a "use after free" flaw in the Metrics component of Google Chrome prior to version 137.0.7151.119. This type of vulnerability occurs when a program continues to use a pointer after it has been freed, leading to potential heap corruption. The severity of this vulnerability is rated as "High" by Chromium security and has a CVSS base score of 9.8, indicating a critical risk.
CVSS Vector Breakdown:
- AV:N (Network Vector): The vulnerability can be exploited remotely over the network.
- AC:L (Low Complexity): The attack requires low skill or resources to exploit.
- PR:N (No Privileges Required): No privileges are required to exploit the vulnerability.
- UI:N (No User Interaction): No user interaction is required to exploit the vulnerability.
- S:U (Unchanged): The scope of the vulnerability does not change.
- C:H (High Confidentiality Impact): Successful exploitation can result in high confidentiality impact.
- I:H (High Integrity Impact): Successful exploitation can result in high integrity impact.
- A:H (High Availability Impact): Successful exploitation can result in high availability impact.
2. Potential Attack Vectors and Exploitation Methods
The primary attack vector for this vulnerability is through a crafted HTML page. An attacker could host a malicious webpage designed to exploit the "use after free" condition in the Metrics component of Google Chrome. When a user visits this page, the vulnerability could be triggered, leading to heap corruption and potentially allowing the attacker to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service.
Exploitation Methods:
- Drive-by Downloads: An attacker could embed the exploit in a webpage and lure users to visit it through phishing emails or malicious advertisements.
- Malvertising: Compromising legitimate advertising networks to serve malicious ads that exploit the vulnerability.
- Watering Hole Attacks: Targeting specific websites known to be visited by the intended victims and embedding the exploit on those sites.
3. Affected Systems and Software Versions
The vulnerability affects Google Chrome versions prior to 137.0.7151.119. Users running these versions on any platform (Windows, macOS, Linux) are at risk. It is crucial for users to update to the latest version of Google Chrome to mitigate this risk.
4. Recommended Mitigation Strategies
Immediate Actions:
- Update Software: Ensure that all users update to Google Chrome version 137.0.7151.119 or later.
- Patch Management: Implement a robust patch management program to ensure timely updates and patches for all software.
Long-term Strategies:
- User Education: Educate users about the risks of visiting unknown or suspicious websites and the importance of keeping software up to date.
- Network Security: Implement network security measures such as firewalls, intrusion detection systems (IDS), and web application firewalls (WAF) to detect and block malicious traffic.
- Endpoint Protection: Use endpoint protection solutions that can detect and block exploit attempts.
5. Impact on European Cybersecurity Landscape
The vulnerability poses a significant risk to European users and organizations that rely on Google Chrome. Given the widespread use of Chrome, the potential impact could be extensive, affecting both individual users and enterprise environments. The high CVSS score underscores the urgency for immediate action to mitigate the risk.
Regulatory Implications:
- GDPR Compliance: Organizations must ensure that they comply with GDPR regulations by protecting user data from potential breaches resulting from this vulnerability.
- Cybersecurity Directives: Adherence to European cybersecurity directives and guidelines is essential to maintain a robust security posture.
6. Technical Details for Security Professionals
Vulnerability Details:
- CWE-416: Use After Free (CWE-416) is the specific weakness category for this vulnerability. It occurs when a program continues to use a pointer after it has been freed, leading to undefined behavior and potential exploitation.
- Heap Corruption: The "use after free" condition can lead to heap corruption, which can be exploited to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service.
Detection and Response:
- Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS): Configure IDS to detect anomalous network traffic that may indicate an exploit attempt.
- Log Analysis: Monitor and analyze logs for suspicious activities, such as unexpected crashes or unusual network traffic patterns.
- Incident Response: Develop and implement an incident response plan to quickly address any detected exploitation attempts.
References:
By addressing this vulnerability promptly and comprehensively, organizations can significantly reduce the risk of exploitation and maintain a strong cybersecurity posture.