Chrome 143 Vulnerabilities Patched In December 2025 Security Update

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Chrome 143 vulnerabilities that were patched by Google on December 2, 2025, address 13 security flaws that could allow arbitrary code execution on affected systems. The update rolls out to Windows, Mac, and Linux users worldwide as version 143.0.7499.40 for Linux and 143.0.7499.40/41 for Windows and Mac.

Four high-severity vulnerabilities headline the release, including a critical type confusion bug in Chrome’s V8 JavaScript engine earning an $11,000 security bounty. Google’s security advisory confirms active deployment across all supported platforms.

Users should update immediately to protect against potential exploitation. The patched Chrome 143 vulnerabilities include memory corruption flaws, privilege escalation risks, and sandbox escape vectors.

Chrome 143 Vulnerabilities Patched: Key Takeaway

• The patched Chrome 143 vulnerabilities include 13 security flaws with four high-severity issues enabling arbitrary code execution through browser exploits.

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Critical V8 JavaScript Engine Vulnerability Tops Chrome 143 Security Fixes

The most severe flaw among Chrome 143 vulnerabilities that were patched is CVE-2025-13630, a type confusion vulnerability in the V8 JavaScript engine. Security researcher Shreyas Penkar discovered this critical weakness, earning an $11,000 bounty from Google’s Vulnerability Reward Program.

Type confusion vulnerabilities occur when browsers misinterpret data types during processing. This mishandling creates opportunities for attackers to corrupt memory and achieve arbitrary code execution. Similar to past Chrome exploits, attackers can leverage these flaws to break out of the browser’s sandbox environment.

The V8 engine processes JavaScript code for Chrome and Chromium-based browsers. Successful exploitation allows remote attackers to execute malicious code inside the renderer sandbox by tricking users into visiting specially crafted websites.

High-Severity Flaws in Google Updater and DevTools

CVE-2025-13631 represents another significant threat among the Chrome 143 vulnerabilities patched this month. Researcher Jota Domingos identified an inappropriate implementation in the Google Updater service, earning a $3,000 reward.

This vulnerability could allow local attackers to manipulate the update process or escalate privileges on victim machines. Security experts note that updater vulnerabilities can establish persistence or elevate privileges on host systems.

Leandro Teles reported CVE-2025-13632, a high-severity issue in Chrome DevTools. While the bounty amount remains “To Be Determined,” vulnerabilities in developer tools can trick users into executing harmful code through self-XSS or social engineering tactics.

Memory Corruption Vulnerabilities Address Use-After-Free Risks

Google’s internal security team discovered CVE-2025-13633, a use-after-free (UAF) vulnerability in the Digital Credentials component. UAF bugs represent a significant threat vector in modern browser security, frequently occurring when browsers attempt to use freed memory.

These memory safety errors lead to crashes or potential code execution. Use-after-free vulnerabilities remain a typical class of security flaws in Chrome, requiring constant vigilance from development teams.

The Chrome 143 vulnerabilities patched also include CVE-2025-13638, a use-after-free flaw in Media Stream. While rated low severity, this vulnerability could still allow remote attackers to exploit heap corruption through crafted HTML pages.

Medium and Low-Severity Security Fixes

Beyond high-severity issues, Chrome 143 vulnerabilities patched address several medium-severity flaws:

• CVE-2025-13720: A bad cast vulnerability in Loader allows attackers who compromise the renderer process to potentially exploit heap corruption via crafted HTML pages.

• CVE-2025-13633 through CVE-2025-13640: Multiple inappropriate implementation flaws across Chrome components, including Downloads, WebRTC, and credential management systems.

These implementation issues could allow attackers to bypass security controls or trigger unexpected behavior. Google restricts access to full bug details until the majority of users update to the patched version.

Deployment and Update Mechanisms for Chrome 143

Chrome handles security updates through automatic mechanisms that typically deploy patches without requiring user intervention. However, users can manually verify and install updates by accessing the three-dot menu, selecting Help, and navigating to “About Google Chrome.”

The browser automatically checks for available updates and installs them in the background. Similar to recent Microsoft patches, staged rollouts allow Google to monitor compatibility issues before reaching the complete user base.

Google employs advanced static and dynamic analysis tools to detect security bugs before they reach the stable channel. The Big Sleep system, Google’s autonomous AI-powered vulnerability research platform, discovered several flaws in this release.

Bounty Program Rewards Security Researchers

Google awarded approximately $17,000 in total bounties to external researchers who reported vulnerabilities fixed in Chrome 143. The Vulnerability Reward Program incentivizes responsible disclosure of security flaws.

Bounty amounts reflect vulnerability severity and impact potential:

• $11,000 for CVE-2025-13630 (Type Confusion in V8)
• $3,000 for CVE-2025-13631 (Google Updater)
• Additional rewards pending for other discoveries

Researchers who discover additional security issues are encouraged to report them through Google’s official bug reporting system, which provides responsible disclosure coordination and appropriate recognition.

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Technical Analysis of Chrome 143 Security Vulnerabilities

Understanding Type Confusion Exploits

Type confusion vulnerabilities like CVE-2025-13630 occur when programs allocate resources using one type but subsequently access them using a different, incompatible type. In browser contexts, successful exploitation often allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code inside the renderer sandbox.

The V8 JavaScript engine compiles and executes JavaScript code at runtime. Type confusion bugs in V8 are frequent targets for exploit writers because they can be leveraged to break out of Chrome’s sandbox environment.

Attackers craft malicious JavaScript code that triggers the type confusion condition. When successful, this allows memory corruption that can be weaponized for code execution.

Privilege Escalation Through Update Mechanisms

CVE-2025-13631 demonstrates how software update mechanisms can become attack vectors. Inappropriate implementation in the Google Updater service could allow local attackers to:

• Manipulate the update process to inject malicious code
• Escalate privileges from standard user to system-level access
• Establish persistence mechanisms on compromised systems

Similar privilege escalation vulnerabilities have been exploited in the wild to deepen attacker control over victim systems.

Memory Safety and Use-After-Free Vulnerabilities

Use-after-free vulnerabilities represent persistent challenges in browser security. These flaws occur when programs attempt to access memory that has already been freed, leading to:

• Application crashes and denial of service
• Memory corruption enabling arbitrary code execution
• Potential sandbox escape when chained with other exploits

Modern browsers implement multiple layers of defense against UAF exploits, including address space layout randomization (ASLR), data execution prevention (DEP), and sandboxing technologies.

Comparison with Previous Chrome Security Updates

The 13 vulnerabilities fixed in Chrome 143 represent a moderate-sized security update compared to recent releases. Chrome 131 addressed critical memory bugs with similar severity profiles.

Google maintains a consistent patching cadence, typically releasing security updates every 2-4 weeks. The company’s rapid response to security issues helps minimize the window of opportunity for attackers.

External security researchers play a crucial role in identifying vulnerabilities during development cycles. Google’s Vulnerability Reward Program has paid millions to researchers who help secure Chrome.

Cross-Browser Security Implications

Chromium-based browsers including Microsoft Edge, Brave, Opera, and Vivaldi will receive these security fixes as they adopt the updated Chromium codebase. Each browser vendor maintains their own release schedule for incorporating upstream Chromium security patches.

Firefox and Safari use different browser engines (Gecko and WebKit respectively), making them immune to Chromium-specific vulnerabilities.

However, similar browser security issues affect multiple browser platforms due to shared web standards and common implementation patterns.

Implications of Chrome 143 Vulnerabilities Patched in December 2025

Impact on Enterprise Security Posture

Organizations relying on Chrome for business operations face significant risks from unpatched browsers. The Chrome 143 vulnerabilities patched include arbitrary code execution vectors that could enable:

• Data Exfiltration: Attackers gaining code execution can access sensitive business data, credentials, and confidential communications.

• Lateral Movement: Compromised browsers serve as beachheads for spreading malware across corporate networks, similar to recent supply chain attacks.

• Compliance Violations: Unpatched vulnerabilities may violate regulatory requirements for maintaining secure systems, particularly in healthcare, finance, and government sectors.

Security teams should verify Chrome 143 deployment across their environments and monitor for suspicious activity related to these CVE identifiers.

Remote Work and BYOD Security Considerations

The shift to remote work amplifies browser security risks. Employees accessing corporate resources through personal devices may delay security updates, creating vulnerability windows.

• Browser Management Challenges: IT departments struggle to enforce patch compliance on unmanaged devices outside corporate networks.

• Zero Trust Architecture: Organizations should implement zero-trust security models that assume browsers may be compromised and verify every access request.

• User Education: Training employees to recognize phishing attempts and suspicious websites reduces the likelihood of exploitation even when vulnerabilities exist.

Supply Chain and Third-Party Risk Management

Organizations using Chromium-based applications and frameworks must track upstream security updates. The Chrome 143 vulnerabilities patched affect:

• Electron-based desktop applications
• Embedded browser components in enterprise software
• Custom Chromium builds for specialized environments

Third-party vendors should communicate their patching timelines to downstream customers. Delayed updates in the supply chain create extended vulnerability windows.

Threat Actor Targeting and Exploitation Likelihood

Type confusion vulnerabilities in V8 attract sophisticated threat actors due to their exploitation potential. Historical patterns show:

• Nation-State Actors: Advanced persistent threat (APT) groups frequently target browser zero-days for espionage operations, as seen in PRC cyber espionage campaigns.

• Cybercriminal Groups: Ransomware operators and initial access brokers exploit browser vulnerabilities to gain footholds in target networks.

• Exploit Marketplaces: Browser exploits command premium prices in underground markets, incentivizing vulnerability research by malicious actors.

The $11,000 bounty for CVE-2025-13630 indicates its significant value. Exploit developers may attempt to reverse-engineer patches to develop working exploits for unpatched systems.

Regulatory and Compliance Perspectives

Security vulnerabilities enabling arbitrary code execution trigger compliance obligations across multiple frameworks:

• GDPR Requirements: European organizations must implement appropriate technical measures to protect personal data. Failing to patch known vulnerabilities could constitute negligence under Article 32.

• HIPAA Security Rule: Healthcare entities must address vulnerabilities as part of their security management processes, with potential penalties for preventable breaches.

• PCI DSS Standards: Payment card industry standards require timely patching of security vulnerabilities, particularly those rated high severity.

• SOC 2 Compliance: Service organizations must demonstrate effective vulnerability management processes to maintain certification.

Long-Term Browser Security Evolution

The Chrome 143 vulnerabilities patched highlight ongoing challenges in browser security:

• Memory Safety: Use-after-free and type confusion bugs persist despite decades of research. Modern mitigation techniques reduce but don’t eliminate these risks.

• Complexity Trade-offs: Browser feature additions increase attack surface. Google’s plan to deprecate XSLT functionality demonstrates the security benefits of reducing rarely-used features.

• AI-Powered Security: Google’s Big Sleep system represents next-generation vulnerability discovery using autonomous AI agents. This technology may identify flaws faster than human researchers.

• Sandboxing Advancements: Multi-layered sandboxing architectures continue evolving to contain exploits even when individual vulnerabilities are successfully triggered.

Looking Forward

The Chrome 143 vulnerabilities patched in December 2025 demonstrate Google’s commitment to rapid security response. Organizations must prioritize browser security as a critical component of their overall cybersecurity strategy.

Automatic update mechanisms provide essential protection, but security teams should verify patch deployment across managed and unmanaged devices. The combination of arbitrary code execution vectors and active vulnerability disclosure necessitates immediate action.

Browser security continues evolving with new threats emerging as quickly as defenses improve. Maintaining current patch levels, implementing defense-in-depth strategies, and educating users remain essential practices for minimizing exploitation risks in an increasingly browser-dependent computing environment.

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Questions Worth Answering

What are the Chrome 143 vulnerabilities patched in December 2025?

• Chrome 143 vulnerabilities patched include 13 security flaws, with four high-severity issues enabling arbitrary code execution. The most critical is CVE-2025-13630, a type confusion bug in the V8 JavaScript engine.

How do I update to Chrome 143 to fix security vulnerabilities?

• Chrome typically updates automatically. Manually check by clicking the three-dot menu, selecting Help, then “About Google Chrome.” The browser will check for version 143.0.7499.40/41 and install automatically.

What is CVE-2025-13630 and why is it critical?

• CVE-2025-13630 is a type confusion vulnerability in Chrome’s V8 JavaScript engine allowing remote attackers to exploit heap corruption via crafted HTML pages. It earned an $11,000 security bounty reflecting its severity.

Can attackers exploit Chrome 143 vulnerabilities remotely?

• Yes, several Chrome 143 vulnerabilities allow remote exploitation. Attackers can craft malicious websites that trigger vulnerabilities when victims visit them, potentially executing arbitrary code on their systems.

How does the Chrome 143 security update affect Chromium-based browsers?

• All Chromium-based browsers including Microsoft Edge, Brave, Opera, and Vivaldi will receive these security fixes as they adopt the updated Chromium codebase, though each maintains independent release schedules.

What is a use-after-free vulnerability in Chrome 143?

• Use-after-free vulnerabilities occur when programs attempt to use memory after it’s been freed, leading to crashes or arbitrary code execution. Chrome 143 patches CVE-2025-13633 and CVE-2025-13638, both UAF flaws.

How does Google’s Vulnerability Reward Program work for Chrome?

• Google pays security researchers for responsibly disclosing vulnerabilities. Chrome 143 bounties totaled approximately $17,000, with amounts ranging from $1,000 to $11,000 based on severity and impact.

What should enterprises do about Chrome 143 vulnerabilities?

• Enterprises should verify Chrome 143 deployment across all systems, prioritize updates for internet-facing and high-value assets, monitor for exploitation indicators, and review compliance obligations related to patch management.

Are there any known exploits for Chrome 143 vulnerabilities?

• Google restricts detailed vulnerability information until most users update. No public exploits are confirmed at release, though type confusion vulnerabilities in V8 are frequently targeted by sophisticated threat actors.

How often does Google release Chrome security updates?

• Google releases Chrome security updates every 2-4 weeks on average, with emergency patches issued for actively exploited zero-day vulnerabilities. The company maintains a rapid response cadence for critical security issues.

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Chrome 143 vulnerabilities were patched in Google’s latest stable release for desktop and mobile, closing multiple high severity issues. The Chrome security patch December 2024 update is now available across platforms. Administrators and end users should deploy the update immediately to reduce risk from exploit development.

Google credited external researchers for several reports and released fixes across core components. While Google did not flag active exploitation in the advisory, proof of concept code often follows public releases.

Enterprises should expedite rollout, validate critical web apps, and monitor for signs of browser exploitation to limit exposure to high severity Chrome exploits.

Category: Application Security

Chrome 143 vulnerabilities: What You Need to Know

Update now to mitigate high severity bugs, shrink the attack surface, and stabilize browser performance.

What the update addresses

The Chrome 143 vulnerabilities affect multiple components tied to rendering, media handling, and platform integration where memory safety errors are common. Google’s advisory notes several high severity fixes and credits community researchers for responsible disclosure.

SecurityWeek reported on the patch set and acknowledgments, underscoring the responsiveness of the Chromium security program. Detailed version notes and rollout status are available on the official Chrome Releases blog. Enterprises can track fleet compliance and apply policies through management consoles.

Historically, some Chrome bugs have moved from disclosure to in the wild exploitation within days. Review past cases like this exploited Chrome zero-day to understand how quickly attackers pivot once technical signals emerge. Treat the Chrome 143 vulnerabilities as priority fixes to stay ahead of exploit kits and malvertising campaigns.

Severity and exploitability

Google categorized several Chrome 143 vulnerabilities as high severity, indicating significant risk if left unpatched. While the advisory focuses on fixes rather than confirmed attacks, defenders should assume threat actors will analyze the diff for exploit paths. Treat high severity Chrome exploits as credible and update without delay.

For situational awareness, monitor CISA’s Known Exploited Vulnerabilities Catalog. Chrome advisories call out confirmed exploitation when known, but attack tooling can appear soon after patches ship.

Platforms covered

The Chrome 143 vulnerabilities are fixed in the stable channel on Windows, macOS, and Linux. Updates for Android and iOS are available through their app stores. Organizations with mixed environments should standardize on the latest stable build to avoid partial exposure.

Admins can follow Google’s guidance on how to update Chrome and set policies to enforce timely rollouts.

How to get the Chrome security patch December 2024

To apply the update on desktop:

• Open Chrome and select Menu, then Help, then About Google Chrome.
• Allow automatic download of the latest update.
• Click Relaunch to complete installation.

On mobile, update through your device’s app store. For managed fleets, push the latest stable build via endpoint management. If you pin versions, plan an expedited test and deploy window to close gaps created by the Chrome 143 vulnerabilities.

Researcher acknowledgments and rewards

Google credited external researchers for reporting the Chrome 143 vulnerabilities through the Chromium Vulnerability Rewards Program. Bounty incentives continue to surface impactful findings that reduce real world risk. See policy details and acknowledgments on the Chrome Releases blog.

For broader context on patch cadence outside Chrome, review Apple’s rapid update cycles in Apple security patches that fixed dozens of vulnerabilities, and compare with another recent stable channel update.

Risks if you delay patching

Delaying updates gives attackers time to reverse engineer changes and craft exploits. Depending on the component, the Chrome 143 vulnerabilities could enable data theft, session hijacking, sandbox escapes, or device compromise. Once a flaw lands in exploit kits, drive by downloads and malvertising can accelerate spread.

Organizations with high risk exposure should prioritize deployment, enforce phishing resistant MFA, and enhance telemetry for browser processes. Pair patching with endpoint monitoring to catch exploitation attempts early.

Implications for users and businesses

Advantages

Rapidly applying fixes for Chrome 143 vulnerabilities lowers the chance of compromise from web based attacks and improves sandbox reliability. Consistent patch management also reduces compliance gaps and simplifies incident response by removing known weaknesses from likely attack paths.

Disadvantages

Fast rollouts increase short term workload for testing and change control, and some environments may face plugin or extension incompatibilities. Prolonged deferrals, however, can convert newly disclosed bugs into viable entry points if adversaries weaponize them.

Conclusion

The Chrome 143 vulnerabilities reinforce the need for disciplined browser patching. The Chrome security patch December 2024 release closes high severity issues across core components.

Security teams should push updates across Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS, then verify coverage through management dashboards. Validate critical apps and watch for exploitation attempts tied to recent fixes.

Stay current through Google advisories and trusted intelligence sources. When timelines are tight, prioritize the highest risk systems first and complete the remaining rollout quickly.

Questions Worth Answering

What did Google fix in this release?

Google patched multiple issues in core components, including several rated high severity, to reduce attack surface and improve stability.

How urgent is installation?

Install as soon as possible. Rapid patching reduces exposure while attackers analyze changes and test exploit paths.

Are there known in the wild attacks?

The advisory focuses on fixes, not active exploitation. Assume proof of concept code may appear and update immediately.

Which platforms receive the update?

Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS receive fixes through the stable channel and their respective app stores.

How do I confirm the update?

In Chrome, open Menu, Help, About Google Chrome. The browser downloads the update and prompts for a relaunch.

Where can I track official details?

Follow the Chrome Releases blog and admin documentation for version specifics and rollout guidance.

What else should defenders do?

Enforce MFA, monitor endpoint telemetry, audit extensions, and track advisories for any escalation to confirmed exploitation.

About Google

Google develops the Chrome browser, Android, and cloud services, and operates the Chromium open source project. Its security teams partner with researchers to identify and fix vulnerabilities.

Chromium’s community driven model supports continuous code hardening and rapid issue intake through a public bug bounty program and structured disclosures.

Through advisories and frequent stable releases, Google aims to reduce the window of exploitation and help enterprises deploy secure updates at scale.

Additional resources: Track CVE identifiers at CVE.org and review recent incident trends like how AI cracks passwords to inform defense planning.