CVE-2025-12446 is a vulnerability identified in Google Chrome's SplitView feature prior to version 142.0.7444.59. The issue stems from an incorrect security user interface (UI) implementation that can be exploited by a remote attacker who convinces a user to perform specific UI gestures. By leveraging a crafted domain name, the attacker can induce UI spoofing, misleading the user about the authenticity or security state of the web content displayed. This vulnerability is categorized under CWE-451, which relates to incorrect display of UI elements that can deceive users. The attack vector is network-based (AV:N), with high attack complexity (AC:H), no privileges required (PR:N), but requires user interaction (UI:R). The scope is unchanged (S:U), with low confidentiality impact (C:L), no integrity impact (I:N), and low availability impact (A:L). The CVSS v3.1 base score is 4.2, indicating medium severity. No known exploits have been reported in the wild as of the publication date (November 10, 2025). The vulnerability primarily facilitates phishing or social engineering attacks by manipulating the browser's UI to display misleading information, potentially causing users to disclose sensitive information or perform unsafe actions under false pretenses.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a risk primarily in the form of UI spoofing attacks that can facilitate phishing and social engineering campaigns. Such attacks can lead to unauthorized disclosure of sensitive information, credential theft, or the execution of malicious actions under the guise of legitimate web content. Although the direct impact on system integrity and availability is low, the indirect consequences—such as data breaches or compromised user accounts—can be significant. Organizations relying heavily on Google Chrome for web access, especially in sectors like finance, government, and critical infrastructure, could face increased risk of targeted attacks exploiting this vulnerability. The requirement for user interaction and high attack complexity somewhat limit the threat, but sophisticated attackers may still leverage this flaw in spear-phishing scenarios. The absence of known exploits in the wild reduces immediate risk but does not eliminate the potential for future exploitation.

The primary mitigation is to update Google Chrome to version 142.0.7444.59 or later, where this vulnerability has been addressed. Organizations should enforce timely patch management policies to ensure all endpoints run updated browser versions. Additionally, user awareness training should emphasize caution with unusual UI behaviors and discourage engagement with suspicious prompts or gestures. Implementing browser security policies that restrict or monitor the use of SplitView or similar features may reduce exposure. Deploying endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions that can identify anomalous browser behaviors could provide early warning of exploitation attempts. Network-level protections such as web filtering and phishing detection tools can help block access to malicious domains crafted to exploit this vulnerability. Finally, organizations should monitor threat intelligence feeds for any emerging exploit activity related to CVE-2025-12446.