CVE-2025-10500 is a high-severity use-after-free vulnerability identified in the Dawn component of Google Chrome versions prior to 140.0.7339.185. This vulnerability arises when the browser improperly manages memory, specifically freeing an object while it is still in use, leading to heap corruption. An attacker can exploit this flaw by crafting a malicious HTML page that, when loaded by a vulnerable Chrome browser, triggers the use-after-free condition. This can result in arbitrary code execution, allowing the attacker to run code in the context of the browser process. The vulnerability requires no privileges and can be triggered remotely by enticing a user to visit a malicious web page, although user interaction (visiting the page) is necessary. The CVSS v3.1 score of 8.8 reflects the high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability, with an attack vector over the network, low attack complexity, no privileges required, but user interaction needed. The flaw affects the rendering engine's Dawn component, which is responsible for graphics processing, making it a critical target for exploitation to gain control over the browser and potentially the underlying system.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a significant risk due to the widespread use of Google Chrome as the primary web browser in enterprise and public sectors. Successful exploitation could lead to unauthorized access to sensitive corporate data, disruption of services, and potential lateral movement within networks if combined with other vulnerabilities. Given the browser's role as a gateway to web applications and cloud services, exploitation could compromise user credentials, confidential communications, and intellectual property. The high severity and ease of exploitation (requiring only user interaction via visiting a malicious page) increase the likelihood of targeted phishing or watering hole attacks against European businesses, government agencies, and critical infrastructure operators. Additionally, the vulnerability could be leveraged in espionage campaigns or ransomware attacks, amplifying its impact on data confidentiality and operational continuity.

European organizations should prioritize updating Google Chrome to version 140.0.7339.185 or later immediately to remediate this vulnerability. Beyond patching, organizations should implement network-level protections such as web filtering to block access to known malicious sites and employ advanced threat detection solutions that monitor for anomalous browser behavior indicative of exploitation attempts. User awareness training should emphasize the risks of visiting untrusted websites and opening links from unknown sources. Deploying endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools can help identify and contain exploitation activities. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing application sandboxing and strict browser security policies (e.g., disabling unnecessary plugins and enforcing content security policies) to reduce the attack surface. Regular vulnerability scanning and penetration testing focused on browser security can help identify residual risks.