CVE-2025-5067 - UI Spoofing Vulnerability in Chrome’s Tab Strip Explained
Google Chrome is one of the most popular web browsers, but even giants have weak spots. In this post, we’ll break down CVE-2025-5067, a recently disclosed flaw in Chrome’s tab strip, which allows a malicious website to spoof part of the browser’s user interface (UI) through a carefully crafted HTML page. Don’t worry, we’ll keep things clear and simple, with a real example and handy links for you to dig deeper.
What is CVE-2025-5067?
CVE-2025-5067 is a vulnerability classified as *low severity*, but it is still important for users and developers to understand. It affects Google Chrome versions before 137..7151.55. An inappropriate implementation in the browser’s tab strip let remote attackers trick users by displaying fake UI elements, leading to possible spoofing attacks.
Reference
- Chromium Release Notes with Fix
- NVD CVE Entry
- Chromium Issue Tracker
How Does the Vulnerability Work?
Normally, Chrome’s tab strip—the visual bar at the top where all open tabs appear—can’t be manipulated by web content for security reasons. But due to this bug, a specially crafted HTML page could make parts of the UI, particularly the tab strip, visually mimic other sites or mislead the user about what’s really open.
This is a type of UI spoofing attack. Although low risk, it could be used to trick users into taking unintended actions (like entering passwords in a fake tab).
Simple Exploit Example
Let’s see a basic way a malicious web page might try to spoof the Chrome tab strip. Note: Modern Chrome versions patched this leak—but older ones prior to 137..7151.55 are affected.
<!DOCTYPE html>
<html>
<head>
<title>Login – Trusty Bank</title>
<style>
/* Fake tab strip at the page top */
#tab-strip {
background: #f3f3f3;
height: 35px;
display: flex;
align-items: center;
border-bottom: 1px solid #ccc;
font-family: Arial, sans-serif;
}
.tab {
padding: 7px 18px;
margin-right: 3px;
background: white;
border: 1px solid #eee;
border-bottom: none;
border-radius: 7px 7px ;
box-shadow: 2px 4px rgba(,,,.1);
}
.tab.active {
background: #37a7f8;
color: white;
font-weight: bold;
}
/* Position the bar at the very top */
body {
margin-top: ;
}
</style>
</head>
<body>
<div id="tab-strip">
<div class="tab">New Tab</div>
<div class="tab active">Login – Trusty Bank</div>
</div>
<!-- Spoofed login form -->
<h2>Trusty Bank Login</h2>
<form>
<input placeholder="Username">
<input type="password" placeholder="Password">
<button type="submit">Sign In</button>
</form>
</body>
</html>
What does this do?
This HTML paints a fake Chrome tab strip at the top of the page, with one of the tabs mimicking a real banking login tab. A user could be tricked into thinking they are typing their credentials into a trusted tab, when in fact, it’s all under control of the attacker’s web page.
Real-World Impact
- Severity: LOW. The attack needs tricking someone into visiting the malicious page. Chrome’s sandboxing and security prompts reduce risk.
- What could happen: Users could be fooled into trusting spoofed tabs, opening the door for phishing, or giving up sensitive information unwittingly.
Update your browser! The easiest fix is to upgrade Chrome beyond version 137..7151.55.
- Be cautious: Don’t trust tabs or UI elements fully—they might be fake, especially if you landed on an unfamiliar website.
- Check the address bar: Always verify the domain and look for the browser’s real HTTPS/security indicators.
Patch Status
Google fixed this in Chrome 137..7151.55, and credit goes to security researchers reporting via Chromium’s public issue tracker. The fix ensures that web content can no longer mimic browser UI elements so easily.
If this subject interests you, check out
- Google’s UI Spoofing Best Practices
- OWASP Cheat Sheet: UI Redressing
Summary
CVE-2025-5067 shows how even visual bugs can have security implications. While the exploit is simple and the risk is rated low, staying informed and keeping your software up-to-date is the best defense. If you’re a developer, remember: Never trust user content to behave itself, and always design UIs to resist spoofing attempts.
Stay safe and happy browsing!
*Post written exclusively for users seeking a down-to-earth, technical perspective on the latest web security issues. Want more details? See links above or follow Chrome’s official security blog.*
Timeline
Published on: 05/27/2025 21:15:22 UTC
Last modified on: 05/29/2025 15:50:43 UTC