CVE-2025-13633 is a use-after-free vulnerability identified in the Digital Credentials component of Google Chrome prior to version 143.0.7499.41. This vulnerability arises when the renderer process improperly manages memory, leading to a use-after-free condition that can be triggered by a crafted HTML page. An attacker who has already compromised the renderer process can exploit this flaw to cause heap corruption, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution within the browser context. The vulnerability does not require prior privileges or authentication but does require user interaction, such as visiting a malicious or compromised webpage. The CVSS 3.1 base score is 8.8, reflecting high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability, with an attack vector over the network and low attack complexity. Although no public exploits are currently known, the nature of the vulnerability and its presence in a widely used browser component make it a significant threat. The Digital Credentials component is critical for managing user authentication and secure data storage, so exploitation could lead to theft of sensitive information or further system compromise. The vulnerability was publicly disclosed on December 2, 2025, with a patch available in Chrome version 143.0.7499.41. Organizations relying on Chrome for web access should prioritize updating to the patched version to mitigate risk.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a substantial risk due to the widespread use of Google Chrome as the primary web browser. Exploitation could lead to unauthorized access to sensitive data, including credentials and personal information, resulting in data breaches and compliance violations under regulations such as GDPR. The ability to execute arbitrary code could also facilitate lateral movement within corporate networks, enabling attackers to deploy ransomware or conduct espionage. Critical sectors such as finance, healthcare, and government are particularly vulnerable given their reliance on secure web communications and digital credentials. The requirement for user interaction means phishing or drive-by download attacks could be effective vectors, increasing the risk for end users. The absence of known exploits in the wild currently provides a window for proactive defense, but the high severity demands immediate attention to prevent potential future attacks.

1. Immediately update all Google Chrome installations to version 143.0.7499.41 or later to apply the official patch addressing CVE-2025-13633. 2. Implement strict Content Security Policies (CSP) to restrict the execution of untrusted scripts and reduce the attack surface of the renderer process. 3. Employ browser isolation technologies to sandbox web content and limit the impact of potential exploitation. 4. Educate users about the risks of interacting with untrusted or suspicious web content to reduce the likelihood of triggering the vulnerability. 5. Monitor network traffic and endpoint logs for unusual behavior indicative of exploitation attempts, such as unexpected renderer crashes or heap corruption errors. 6. Consider deploying endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions capable of detecting memory corruption exploits. 7. Regularly audit and update browser extensions and plugins to minimize additional attack vectors that could facilitate renderer compromise. 8. Coordinate with IT and security teams to ensure rapid deployment of patches across all organizational devices, including remote and mobile users.