CVE-2025-12437 is a use-after-free vulnerability identified in the PageInfo component of Google Chrome versions prior to 142.0.7444.59. Use-after-free vulnerabilities occur when a program continues to use memory after it has been freed, leading to undefined behavior such as heap corruption. In this case, the vulnerability can be triggered remotely by an attacker who convinces a user to perform specific UI gestures on a maliciously crafted HTML page. The flaw resides in the handling of PageInfo, a UI element that displays security and site information. Exploiting this vulnerability could allow an attacker to corrupt the heap, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution within the context of the browser process. The CVSS v3.1 score of 7.5 reflects a high severity, with attack vector being network-based, requiring high attack complexity, no privileges, but requiring user interaction. The impact includes full compromise of confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the browser session. Although no exploits are currently known in the wild, the widespread use of Chrome makes this vulnerability a significant concern. The vulnerability was publicly disclosed on November 10, 2025, and users are advised to upgrade to version 142.0.7444.59 or later where the issue is patched.

The potential impact of CVE-2025-12437 is substantial for organizations worldwide due to the ubiquity of Google Chrome as a primary web browser. Successful exploitation could lead to arbitrary code execution, allowing attackers to execute malicious payloads, steal sensitive information, or disrupt browser functionality. This could facilitate further attacks such as credential theft, lateral movement within networks, or deployment of malware. The requirement for user interaction limits automated exploitation but does not eliminate risk, especially in targeted phishing or social engineering campaigns. Enterprises relying on Chrome for web access, especially those handling sensitive data or critical infrastructure, face increased risk of data breaches or operational disruption. Additionally, the vulnerability could be leveraged in supply chain attacks or to bypass browser security controls, amplifying its impact.

To mitigate CVE-2025-12437, organizations and users should promptly update Google Chrome to version 142.0.7444.59 or later, where the vulnerability is patched. Beyond patching, organizations should implement strict browser security policies, including disabling or restricting UI features that could be exploited via user gestures if feasible. Employing browser isolation technologies can limit the impact of potential exploitation by sandboxing browser processes. User education on recognizing phishing and social engineering attempts can reduce the likelihood of triggering the vulnerability. Network-level protections such as web filtering and intrusion detection systems should be tuned to detect and block malicious crafted HTML pages. Regular vulnerability scanning and penetration testing can help identify unpatched systems. Finally, monitoring for unusual browser behavior or crashes may provide early indicators of exploitation attempts.