CVE-2025-13229 is a type confusion vulnerability identified in the V8 JavaScript engine component of Google Chrome prior to version 142.0.7444.59. Type confusion occurs when the program incorrectly interprets the type of an object, leading to memory corruption issues such as heap corruption. In this case, a remote attacker can exploit this flaw by delivering a specially crafted HTML page that triggers the vulnerability when rendered by the vulnerable Chrome browser. The heap corruption can allow the attacker to execute arbitrary code within the context of the browser, potentially leading to full system compromise or data theft. The vulnerability is remotely exploitable without requiring authentication, but it does require user interaction, such as visiting a malicious or compromised website. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 8.8, reflecting high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability, with an attack vector of network, low attack complexity, no privileges required, and user interaction needed. Although no active exploits have been reported in the wild, the nature of the vulnerability and its presence in a widely used browser make it a critical concern. The vulnerability was publicly disclosed on November 17, 2025, and users are advised to upgrade to the patched version 142.0.7444.59 or later to mitigate the risk.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a significant risk due to the widespread use of Google Chrome across enterprises, government agencies, and critical infrastructure sectors. Successful exploitation could lead to unauthorized access to sensitive information, disruption of services, and potential lateral movement within networks if attackers gain code execution capabilities. Organizations relying heavily on web applications and browser-based workflows are particularly vulnerable. The impact extends to confidentiality breaches, integrity violations through potential code injection or manipulation, and availability disruptions caused by crashes or denial-of-service conditions. Given the high CVSS score and the nature of the vulnerability, attackers could leverage this flaw to bypass security controls and compromise endpoints, which may lead to broader network compromises. The absence of known exploits in the wild currently reduces immediate risk but does not eliminate the threat, especially as exploit development could follow disclosure.

To mitigate this vulnerability, European organizations should immediately update all instances of Google Chrome to version 142.0.7444.59 or later, where the issue is patched. Organizations should enforce automated browser updates or centrally manage browser versions via enterprise policies to ensure timely patch deployment. Additionally, implementing web filtering solutions to block access to untrusted or suspicious websites can reduce exposure to malicious HTML content. Employing endpoint protection platforms with behavior-based detection may help identify exploitation attempts. User awareness training should emphasize the risks of interacting with unknown or suspicious web content. Network segmentation and the principle of least privilege can limit the impact of potential compromises. Monitoring browser crash logs and unusual process behaviors can provide early indicators of exploitation attempts. Finally, organizations should maintain an incident response plan tailored to browser-based attacks to enable rapid containment and remediation.