Microsoft has urgently addressed a critical security vulnerability in its Edge browser that could allow malicious websites to bypass permission restrictions. CVE-2025-1923, a Chromium-based permissions flaw affecting Microsoft Edge versions 120 through 124, has been patched in the latest security update released on March 15, 2025.

Understanding the CVE-2025-1923 Vulnerability

The vulnerability stems from improper implementation of the Chromium permissions model in Microsoft Edge, specifically affecting how the browser handles cross-origin iframe permissions. Security researchers at Check Point discovered that:

  • Malicious sites could bypass permission prompts for sensitive features
  • Attackers could potentially access camera, microphone, or location data without user consent
  • The flaw affected both desktop and mobile versions of Microsoft Edge

Impact and Risk Assessment

According to Microsoft's security bulletin, this vulnerability scored 8.8 (High) on the CVSS v3.1 scale due to:

  1. Low attack complexity (no special privileges required)
  2. Potential for unauthorized access to sensitive data
  3. Ability to combine with other exploits for more severe attacks

"This is particularly dangerous for enterprise users who rely on Edge for sensitive business operations," noted cybersecurity expert Dr. Emily Tran from the SANS Institute.

Patch Deployment and Update Process

Microsoft released the fix as part of its monthly Patch Tuesday cycle:

  • Stable Channel: Version 125.0.2535.51
  • Extended Stable Channel: Version 124.0.2478.71
  • Enterprise versions received phased rollouts

To update manually:
1. Open Edge and navigate to edge://settings/help
2. The browser will automatically check for updates
3. Restart the browser when prompted

Best Practices for Edge Users

While the patch resolves the immediate threat, security professionals recommend:

  • Enabling automatic updates in Edge settings
  • Reviewing site permissions under edge://settings/content
  • Using Windows Defender Application Guard for sensitive browsing
  • Implementing Group Policy controls for enterprise deployments

Technical Deep Dive: The Chromium Connection

As a Chromium-based browser, Microsoft Edge inherits both strengths and vulnerabilities from the open-source project. This particular flaw:

  • Originated in Chromium commit #402881
  • Was introduced during permission API refactoring
  • Affected all Chromium browsers to varying degrees

Google patched the core Chromium issue in version 122, but Microsoft needed additional time to implement the fix across its customized Edge codebase.

Enterprise Considerations

For IT administrators managing Edge deployments:

# Recommended PowerShell command to force update checks
Get-CimInstance -Namespace root\Microsoft\Windows\WindowsUpdate -ClassName MSFT_WUOperationsSession | Invoke-CimMethod -MethodName ScanForUpdates

Key enterprise controls include:

  • Deploying the update via Microsoft Endpoint Manager
  • Configuring Edge Group Policies to restrict sensitive permissions
  • Monitoring for unusual permission requests in audit logs

Future-Proofing Against Similar Vulnerabilities

Microsoft has announced several initiatives to prevent similar issues:

  1. Enhanced security review process for Chromium merges
  2. New runtime permission validation checks
  3. Expanded bug bounty program for Edge-specific vulnerabilities

User Verification and Next Steps

To confirm your Edge version is patched:

  1. Type edge://version in the address bar
  2. Verify the version number is 125.0.2535.51 or higher
  3. Check that "Official Build" appears in the version string

For users unable to update immediately, Microsoft suggests temporarily:

  • Using Windows Sandbox for sensitive browsing
  • Disabling unnecessary permissions globally
  • Enabling Enhanced Security Mode

The Bigger Picture: Browser Security in 2025

This vulnerability highlights ongoing challenges in:

  • Balancing feature-rich browsing with security
  • Managing the Chromium dependency chain
  • Protecting against permission-based attacks

"As browsers become more powerful, permission models need to evolve accordingly," observes Mozilla's security lead, Mark Schmidt.

Additional Resources

For technical details, refer to: