CVE-2025-13632 is a vulnerability identified in the DevTools component of Google Chrome versions prior to 143.0.7499.41. The issue stems from an inappropriate implementation within DevTools that allows a maliciously crafted Chrome extension to perform a sandbox escape. The Chrome sandbox is a critical security boundary designed to isolate browser processes and prevent malicious code from affecting the underlying operating system or other applications. By exploiting this vulnerability, an attacker who successfully convinces a user to install a malicious extension can break out of the sandbox environment, potentially executing arbitrary code on the host system with the privileges of the user running Chrome. This elevates the risk from a browser-level compromise to a system-level compromise. The attack requires social engineering to get the user to install the malicious extension, which is a common vector for browser-based attacks. There are no known public exploits at this time, but the vulnerability is classified with high severity by Chromium security. The lack of a CVSS score means severity assessment must consider the impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability, the ease of exploitation, and the scope of affected systems. Since Chrome is widely used across enterprises and governments, the potential impact is significant. The vulnerability was published on December 2, 2025, and Google has released version 143.0.7499.41 to address the issue. However, no direct patch links were provided in the source information.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a significant risk due to the widespread use of Google Chrome in both corporate and governmental environments. A successful sandbox escape can lead to unauthorized access to sensitive data, installation of persistent malware, and lateral movement within networks. This could compromise confidentiality and integrity of critical information systems. The requirement for user interaction (installing a malicious extension) means phishing or social engineering campaigns could be leveraged to exploit this vulnerability. Organizations with less mature endpoint security or lax extension installation policies are particularly vulnerable. The potential for system-level compromise increases the risk of data breaches, espionage, and disruption of services. Given the strategic importance of sectors such as finance, government, and critical infrastructure in Europe, exploitation could have far-reaching consequences. Additionally, regulatory frameworks like GDPR impose strict requirements on data protection, and breaches resulting from this vulnerability could lead to significant legal and financial penalties.

To mitigate this vulnerability, European organizations should immediately update all Chrome installations to version 143.0.7499.41 or later, where the issue is resolved. Implement strict policies controlling the installation of Chrome extensions, ideally restricting installations to a curated whitelist of approved extensions. Employ endpoint protection solutions capable of detecting and blocking malicious extensions or unusual browser behaviors. Conduct user awareness training focused on the risks of installing untrusted browser extensions and recognizing phishing attempts. Utilize enterprise management tools such as Google Workspace Admin Console or Microsoft Endpoint Manager to enforce extension policies and monitor compliance. Regularly audit installed extensions across the organization to identify and remove unauthorized or suspicious ones. Additionally, consider deploying browser isolation technologies to contain potential exploits. Maintain up-to-date backups and incident response plans to quickly recover from any compromise. Finally, monitor threat intelligence feeds for any emerging exploits related to this vulnerability.