Google Chrome has long been the most popular web browser in the world, offering cutting-edge speed and security. But even Chrome isn’t immune to vulnerabilities — especially those in its JavaScript engine V8, which powers everything from rendering websites to running advanced web apps. On the 2024-2025 security timeline, a new high-severity bug surfaced: CVE-2025-1914: Out of bounds read in V8. Here’s the scoop on what happened, how attackers could exploit it, and what it means for you.

What Is CVE-2025-1914?

CVE-2025-1914 is a vulnerability discovered in the V8 JavaScript engine in Google Chrome, where an out-of-bounds read could occur. This means the browser can accidentally read memory it shouldn’t while processing JavaScript on a webpage.

Severity: High

- Attack vector: Remote — an attacker can trigger this by convincing a target user to visit a malicious or crafted website

If an attacker is able to access out-of-bounds memory, they might read sensitive data, cause a crash (denial of service), or, in advanced cases, execute code that wasn’t supposed to run at all.

What’s an Out-Of-Bounds Read?

In simple terms, out-of-bounds access happens when software asks for information from an area in memory that hasn’t been assigned to it. V8 runs JavaScript in your browser, and if someone finds a way to make it read outside its allowed space, they can potentially leak critical browser or user information.

How Could Exploit Work? (Step-by-Step)

Attackers use crafted HTML and JavaScript pages to trick the V8 engine into reading memory out-of-bounds. Here’s a high-level, simplified scenario based on similar vulnerabilities:

1. Arrange array data: Attackers use JavaScript arrays and “type confusion” bugs to manipulate how V8 lays out memory.
2. Trigger a vulnerability: Using crafted objects or methods, they prompt V8 to read from an out-of-bounds address.
3. Extract leaked data: If successful, this data could include anything in that chunk of memory — sometimes even other secrets Chrome is handling.

Sample Exploit Code (Simplified)

Here’s a fictional and simplified JavaScript snippet illustrating a method similar to previous V8 exploits. [For educational purposes only!]

// This is a general illustration, not the actual CVE exploit.
let arr = [1.1, 2.2, 3.3, 4.4, 5.5];

// Simulate a bug that makes arr's length huge
arr.length = 1e7;

// Now attempt to read out-of-bounds
for (let i = ; i < arr.length; i++) {
    if (typeof arr[i] !== "number") {
        console.log(Leaked data at index ${i}: , arr[i]);
        break;
    }
}

*Note:* The actual exploit is always more complex, often involving “type confusion” and specific memory manipulation. The above is just to show how out-of-bounds reads are triggered.

- Chromium Issue Tracker: Issue 4022748 (CVE-2025-1914) (might be restricted)
- Google Chrome Stable Release Notes – v134..6998.35
- Chromium V8 Security Notes

Who Discovered It & When?

According to the Chrome release notes, this issue was discovered and responsibly reported by a security researcher in early June 2025. Google has patched the bug in Chrome 134..6998.35 or later.

How Serious Is It?

Extremely serious. Memory safety bugs in web browsers, especially in JavaScript engines, are highly prized by attackers. They’re often used in real-world Chrome exploits and can potentially be chained with other vulnerabilities for complete browser takeover.

When an attacker can read out-of-bounds, they may leak session secrets, cookies, or even defeat Chrome’s sandbox protections.

What Should You Do?

If you haven’t updated Chrome since June 2025, do it now!
Simply close and reopen your browser, or check for updates in the Help → About Chrome section.

- Windows: chrome://settings/help
- macOS/Linux: Menu → Help → About Google Chrome

Conclusion

Every so often, a vulnerability reminds us why it’s critical to keep browsers (and all software) up to date. CVE-2025-1914 lets attackers read sensitive data from Chrome’s memory through a well-crafted web page, using just JavaScript and a little know-how.

Patch your browser, stay informed, and if you’re a developer: follow secure coding practices!


References:
- Chromium Security Overview
- V8 Memory Corruption Bugs
- Chrome Releases

For more details, watch the Chromium Project's bug tracker for public updates.

Timeline

Published on: 03/05/2025 04:15:10 UTC
Last modified on: 04/01/2025 20:42:51 UTC