Microsoft Edge CVE-2025-47182: Critical Security Flaw & How to Protect Your Browser

Microsoft Edge, the Chromium-based browser developed by Microsoft, has recently been identified with a critical security vulnerability, designated as CVE-2025-47182. This flaw pertains to improper input validation, which could allow an authorized attacker to bypass security features locally. The vulnerability has been officially documented by Microsoft's Security Response Center (MSRC) .
Understanding CVE-2025-47182
CVE-2025-47182 is classified as an elevation of privilege vulnerability. In essence, this means that an attacker who already has some level of access to a system could exploit this flaw to gain higher privileges than initially granted. Such vulnerabilities are particularly concerning because they can lead to unauthorized access to sensitive information, system configurations, and critical functionalities.
The core issue lies in the improper validation of input within Microsoft Edge. When input validation is inadequate, it can allow attackers to manipulate the input in unforeseen ways, potentially bypassing security mechanisms designed to protect the system. In this specific case, the vulnerability allows an authorized attacker to bypass a security feature locally, which could lead to unauthorized actions being performed on the affected system.
Technical Details and Impact
While the MSRC advisory provides a high-level overview of the vulnerability, specific technical details are often withheld to prevent exploitation before patches are widely applied. However, based on the nature of elevation of privilege vulnerabilities, we can infer several potential impacts:

• Unauthorized Access: Attackers could gain access to files, data, or system areas that are typically restricted.
• System Manipulation: With elevated privileges, malicious actors might alter system configurations, install or uninstall software, or disable security features.
• Persistence: Gaining higher privileges can allow attackers to establish persistent backdoors, making it challenging to remove their presence from the system.

It's important to note that for this vulnerability to be exploited, the attacker must already have some level of access to the system. This prerequisite differentiates it from remote code execution vulnerabilities, which can be exploited without prior access.
Comparative Analysis with Similar Vulnerabilities
Elevation of privilege vulnerabilities are not uncommon in web browsers. For instance, CVE-2024-43472 was another elevation of privilege vulnerability affecting Microsoft Edge (Chromium-based), published in August 2024. This vulnerability had a CVSS score of 5.8, indicating a medium severity level (cvedetails.com). In contrast, CVE-2025-47182 has been assigned a higher severity rating, underscoring the increased risk associated with this particular flaw.
Another related vulnerability, CVE-2023-35618, was identified in December 2023. This "use after free" vulnerability in Microsoft Edge allowed attackers to execute arbitrary code, leading to potential elevation of privileges. It was rated as critical with a CVSS score of 9.6 (cvedetails.com). While CVE-2025-47182 does not involve arbitrary code execution, its potential to bypass security features locally makes it a significant concern.
Mitigation and Recommendations
Microsoft has addressed CVE-2025-47182 in the latest security update for Microsoft Edge. Users and administrators are strongly advised to ensure that their browsers are updated to the latest version to mitigate the risk associated with this vulnerability.
To check for updates:

• Open Microsoft Edge.
• Click on the three dots in the upper-right corner to open the menu.
• Navigate to "Help and feedback" > "About Microsoft Edge."
• The browser will automatically check for updates and install them if available.

In addition to updating the browser, it's prudent to follow general security best practices:

• Limit User Privileges: Ensure that users operate with the least privileges necessary for their tasks. This approach minimizes the potential impact of an exploited vulnerability.
• Regular System Updates: Keep all software and operating systems up to date to protect against known vulnerabilities.
• Monitor System Activity: Implement monitoring tools to detect unusual activities that might indicate a security breach.

Conclusion
The discovery of CVE-2025-47182 highlights the ongoing challenges in maintaining software security, especially in widely used applications like web browsers. While Microsoft has promptly addressed this vulnerability, it serves as a reminder of the importance of regular updates and adherence to security best practices. Users and organizations must remain vigilant, ensuring that their systems are protected against both known and emerging threats.

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Source: MSRC Security Update Guide - Microsoft Security Response Center