CVE-2025-13632 is a vulnerability discovered in Google Chrome prior to version 143.0.7499.41, specifically within the DevTools component. The issue stems from an inappropriate implementation that allows a malicious Chrome extension, once installed by a user, to potentially escape the browser's sandbox environment. Sandbox escapes are critical because they allow code running in a restricted environment (the browser) to break out and execute with higher privileges on the host system, potentially leading to further compromise. The attack vector requires an attacker to convince a user to install a crafted malicious extension, which then leverages the vulnerability to perform the sandbox escape. The CVSS v3.1 score is 5.4 (medium severity), reflecting that the attack can be performed remotely (network vector), requires low attack complexity, no privileges, but does require user interaction (installing the extension). The impact is limited primarily to confidentiality and availability, with no direct integrity impact noted. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-194, which involves improper control of code generation or execution, indicating that the extension can execute code outside the intended sandbox restrictions. No public exploits have been reported yet, but the potential for sandbox escape makes this a significant concern. The vulnerability affects all Chrome users on versions prior to 143.0.7499.41, which is widely deployed across enterprise and consumer environments globally.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a moderate risk primarily because Google Chrome is one of the most widely used browsers in Europe, both in enterprise and consumer contexts. A successful sandbox escape could allow attackers to execute code with elevated privileges on the host system, potentially leading to data leakage or disruption of services. Confidentiality could be compromised if sensitive information accessible via the browser or local system is exposed. Availability impacts could arise if the attacker disrupts browser or system operations. The requirement for user interaction (installing a malicious extension) reduces the likelihood of widespread automated exploitation but does not eliminate risk, especially in environments where users may be targeted via phishing or social engineering. Organizations handling sensitive data, such as financial institutions, healthcare providers, and government agencies, are at higher risk. The absence of known exploits in the wild currently reduces immediate threat but patching is critical to prevent future attacks.

1. Update Google Chrome to version 143.0.7499.41 or later immediately to apply the fix for this vulnerability. 2. Implement group policies or enterprise management tools to restrict or control the installation of Chrome extensions, allowing only trusted extensions from verified sources. 3. Educate users about the risks of installing browser extensions from untrusted sources and train them to recognize phishing or social engineering attempts that may lead to malicious extension installation. 4. Monitor browser extension activity and audit installed extensions regularly to detect unauthorized or suspicious extensions. 5. Employ endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions to identify unusual behaviors indicative of sandbox escape attempts or privilege escalation. 6. Consider deploying application control policies that limit execution of unauthorized code outside the browser sandbox. 7. Maintain up-to-date backups and incident response plans to quickly recover from potential exploitation.