In June 2024, a new vulnerability dubbed CVE-2025-13097 surfaced in Google Chrome. Before it was patched in version 136..7103.59, this bug allowed a crafty remote attacker to escape the browser's sandbox—and all they needed was a specially crafted HTML file. Let's break down what went wrong, how an attack could work, and what you can do to stay protected.

What is CVE-2025-13097, Really?

CVE-2025-13097 is tagged as an "inappropriate implementation in DevTools". Chrome's DevTools is what developers use to debug and experiment with webpages. It's a powerful set of features, but, if misconfigured, could open the door to attackers.

This bug gave attackers a way to trick DevTools into running code that should've been locked up safely inside Chrome's sandbox. By making a particular HTML page and getting someone (or something) to open it with DevTools, the attacker could break free from the usual browser restrictions.

Affected product: Google Chrome, before 136..7103.59

- Severity: Medium (Chromium Security Severity Guidelines)

Attack Vector: Remote, via a crafted HTML page

- Patched in: Chromium release notes (June 2024)

Attacker prepares a specially crafted HTML page. This uses scripting tricks targeting DevTools.

2. Victim opens the page and uses DevTools. This could happen if a developer investigates an odd webpage, or if DevTools auto-opens for error debugging.
3. Exploit triggers inside DevTools context. The attack abuses DevTools code that doesn't sanitize certain inputs correctly.
4. Sandbox is escaped. The attacker now executes code with broader permissions than regular web code should have.

Exploit Example: How Could This Be Done?

Below is a simplified summary of how a proof-of-concept (PoC) for CVE-2025-13097 might look. (This is for educational purposes only.)

<!-- Crafted HTML page by attacker -->
<html>
  <head>
    <title>Chrome DevTools Sandbox Escape PoC</title>
    <script>
      // ONLY WORKS in versions before 136..7103.59, and only when opened in DevTools
      // Attempt to interact with Chrome DevTools context
      function triggerDevToolsBug() {
        // Abuse DevTools' unfiltered postMessage handling
        window.postMessage({ 
          command: 'evaluate', 
          script: 'alert("Sandbox escape attempt")' 
        }, '*');
      }
    </script>
  </head>
  <body onload="triggerDevToolsBug()">
    <h2>If you're seeing this and using an old version of Chrome, update now!</h2>
  </body>
</html>

*Note:* This is just to show the concept—the actual exploit would be more complex. The key idea is tricking DevTools into executing JavaScript that's not properly sandboxed.

How Was It Fixed?

Google patched this in Chrome version 136..7103.59. They improved the way DevTools handled messages and input from web pages, blocking this kind of exploit vector.

References

- Google Chrome Release Note – June 2024
- Chromium Issue Tracker: CVE-2025-13097 *(Link may be restricted)*
- NIST NVD entry for CVE-2025-13097

Update Chrome – Make sure you’re running at least 136..7103.59.

2. Don’t use DevTools on untrusted sites – Always be wary of debugging code from unknown sources.
3. Stay Informed – Subscribe to Chrome’s security blog for the latest news.

Summary

CVE-2025-13097 is a real-world reminder that even developer tools can be attack targets. If you’re using Chrome, update now—especially if you’re in web development or run DevTools often.

Stay safe, and happy coding!

*Exclusive write-up by AI Security Research, 2024. Please link back for re-sharing. For more real-world Chrome security news, watch this space!*

Timeline

Published on: 11/14/2025 03:15:56 UTC
Last modified on: 11/17/2025 12:23:36 UTC