Use After Free Vulnerability in ANGLE Component of Google Chrome

CVE-2025-9478

What is CVE-2025-9478?

CVE-2025-9478 is a critical vulnerability affecting the ANGLE component of the Google Chrome browser, specifically found in versions prior to 139.0.7258.154. This vulnerability is categorized as a "use after free" issue, which occurs when a program continues to reference memory after it has been released or freed, leading to potential heap corruption. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by crafting malicious HTML pages that, when accessed by users, could lead to a variety of detrimental effects on the browser and the underlying operating system. The implications of this security flaw are particularly severe for organizations relying on web applications and online transactions, as it may expose sensitive data and allow for unauthorized actions within the browser.

Potential impact of CVE-2025-9478

1. Remote Code Execution: The vulnerability allows attackers to potentially execute arbitrary code on the affected system, which could lead to full system compromise. This risk includes the possibility of installing malware, stealing sensitive data, or manipulating resources for further attacks.

2. Data Breach: With the capability to exploit heap corruption, attackers could gain unauthorized access to stored information or even users’ browsing activities. This risk is particularly critical for organizations that handle sensitive data, as a breach could lead to significant financial and reputational losses.

3. Service Disruption: The exploitation of this vulnerability could lead to instability within the web browser, causing crashes or performance issues. For organizations that depend on web-based tools and applications, this can result in decreased productivity and interruptions in services, impacting business operations significantly.

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