Chrome Buffer Overflow Vulnerabilities Allow Arbitrary Code Execution
Google has rolled out an urgent security update for its Chrome browser, patching three vulnerabilities including two critical heap buffer overflow flaws that could enable attackers to execute arbitrary code and seize control of affected systems.
The update (version 133.0.6943.126/.127 for Windows/Mac and 133.0.6943.126 for Linux) follows the discovery of exploits in Chrome’s V8 JavaScript engine GPU component and network stack underscoring escalating risks to billions of users worldwide.
Technical Description
Multiple High Severity Vulnerabilities:
CVE-2025-0999: Heap Buffer Overflow in V8 JavaScript Engine:
CVE-2025-0999 is a critical heap buffer overflow vulnerability found in the V8 JavaScript engine of Google Chrome. The issue is caused by improper memory handling while processing JavaScript objects, which allows attackers to manipulate heap memory by using specially crafted HTML pages. If successfully exploited, this vulnerability could allow attackers to execute arbitrary code, potentially taking control of the affected system.
CVE-2025-1426: Heap Buffer Overflow in GPU Subsystem:
CVE-2025-1426 is a severe heap buffer overflow vulnerability within Google Chrome’s GPU subsystem. The flaw arises from improper memory management during graphics processing, enabling attackers to corrupt heap memory via malicious web content. Exploiting this vulnerability could lead to arbitrary code execution, granting attackers full control over the compromised system.
Medium Severity Vulnerability:
CVE-2025-1006: Use-After-Free in Network Stack:
Reported by Palo Alto Networks’ Tal Keren and team on January 18, 2025, this medium severity use after free flaw occurs when Chrome’s network component fails to manage memory pointers during data transmission cycles. Attackers could exploit dangling pointers to crash the browser or execute arbitrary code via manipulated network packets. Although rated lower due to attack complexity, the flaw highlights persistent memory management challenges in Chrome’s networking subsystems.
Impact
All vulnerabilities allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code potentially bypassing Chrome’s security sandbox If successfully exploited an attacker could gain access to:
- Take control of a victim’s browser
- Steal sensitive data such as cookies and login credentials
- Deploy further malware or ransomware Escalate privileges to compromise the entire system.
IOC and Context Details
| Topics | Details |
|---|---|
| Tactic Name | Execution, Privilege Escalation |
| Technique Name | Exploitation of Client Execution, Exploitation for Privilege Escalation, Exploitation for Code Execution |
| Sub Technique Name | NA |
| Attack Type | Heap Buffer Overflow, Remote Code Execution, Memory Corruption |
| Targeted Applications | Google Chrome |
| Region Impacted | Global |
| Industry Impacted | All |
| IOC’s | NA |
| CVE | CVE-2025-1426, CVE-2025-0999, CVE-2025-1006 |
Recommended Actions
Update Chrome to the latest patch
- Open Chrome and click the three-dot menu
- Navigate to Help > About Google Chrome
- Check for Updates
- Once update is downloaded press “On Relaunch” Button