Introduction
Remote attackers can exploit heap corruption in Google Chrome through a crafted HTML page, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution or browser crashes. The flaw, tracked as CVE-2025-10501, affects Chrome's WebRTC component and was assigned a CVSS score of 8.8, indicating high severity. Chrome is the most widely used browser globally, making vulnerabilities in its core components especially impactful for both individuals and organizations.
Technical Information
CVE-2025-10501 is a use after free vulnerability (CWE-416) in the WebRTC component of Google Chrome. WebRTC (Web Real-Time Communication) is responsible for enabling real-time peer-to-peer features such as video calls and file sharing directly in the browser. The vulnerability occurs when the WebRTC implementation continues to use a memory location after it has been freed. This unsafe memory access can be triggered during the handling of real-time communication sessions, specifically through crafted HTML and JavaScript that manipulates WebRTC state transitions.
When a user visits a malicious website, the attacker's JavaScript can interact with WebRTC objects in a way that causes the browser to free certain memory but retain references to it. Subsequent operations may then access this freed memory, resulting in heap corruption. Depending on heap layout and timing, this can lead to arbitrary code execution within the browser's sandbox or cause the application to crash. The vulnerability is network exploitable and requires user interaction, such as visiting a malicious site. The flaw was discovered by the researcher 'sherkito' and responsibly disclosed to Google, earning a $10,000 bounty.
Patch Information
In the latest Chrome Stable Channel Update (version 140.0.7339.185/.186), Google has addressed several critical security vulnerabilities, including CVE-2025-10501, a use after free issue in WebRTC. This vulnerability could potentially allow attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service.
The patch involves modifying the WebRTC component to ensure that objects are properly managed and released, preventing premature deallocation. While the exact code changes are not publicly disclosed to protect user security, the update effectively mitigates the risk associated with this vulnerability.
Users are strongly encouraged to update their Chrome browsers to version 140.0.7339.185/.186 or later to benefit from these security enhancements.
Patch sources:
Detection Methods
Detecting vulnerabilities like CVE-2025-10501, a use after free issue in WebRTC, requires a multifaceted approach. While specific detection methods for this CVE are not detailed in the provided sources, general strategies can be employed:
1. Utilize Vulnerability Scanners: Tools such as Nessus can identify known vulnerabilities by scanning systems for outdated software versions. For instance, Tenable offers plugins that detect vulnerabilities in software like Chromium and Microsoft Edge, which are relevant to CVE-2025-10501. Regularly updating and running these scanners ensures timely detection of vulnerabilities.
2. Monitor System Logs and Network Traffic: Analyzing logs and network activity can reveal anomalies indicative of exploitation attempts. Unusual patterns, such as unexpected memory access errors or crashes, may signal attempts to exploit use after free vulnerabilities.
3. Implement Runtime Application Self-Protection (RASP): RASP solutions monitor applications in real-time, detecting and blocking exploitation attempts by analyzing application behavior and identifying deviations from normal operations.
4. Employ Fuzz Testing: Fuzzing involves inputting unexpected or random data into a program to uncover vulnerabilities. Tools like HGFuzzer leverage large language models to enhance directed greybox fuzzing, efficiently identifying vulnerabilities by generating targeted test cases. (arxiv.org)
5. Leverage Binary Analysis Tools: Tools such as VulCatch enhance binary vulnerability detection by decompiling code and extracting advanced features, aiding in the identification of complex vulnerabilities without relying on source code. (arxiv.org)
By integrating these methods, organizations can enhance their ability to detect and mitigate vulnerabilities like CVE-2025-10501, thereby strengthening their overall security posture.
Detection sources:
Affected Systems and Versions
- Google Chrome versions prior to 140.0.7339.185 are affected on Linux
- Google Chrome versions prior to 140.0.7339.185 or 140.0.7339.186 are affected on Windows and macOS
- The vulnerability specifically impacts the WebRTC component
- Any configuration using unpatched Chrome with WebRTC enabled is vulnerable
Vendor Security History
Google Chrome has a history of vulnerabilities in complex components like WebRTC. Previous use after free issues have been reported and patched in WebRTC and related browser subsystems. Google maintains a rapid patch response process, often releasing fixes within days of disclosure, and operates a well established bug bounty program. The vendor leverages advanced internal tools for memory safety and collaborates with external researchers for vulnerability discovery and remediation.