Digital security is something you can never overlook. In recent days, Apple has released an urgent update to fix a critical vulnerability that was already being exploited by attackers online. This threat, cataloged as CVE-2025-6558, directly affected Google Chrome users and could put your data and privacy at risk.
In this article, I’ll explain in simple terms what happened, why you should update your devices as soon as possible, and what steps you can take to protect yourself from these types of attacks.
The CVE-2025-6558 vulnerability originated in ANGLE (Almost Native Graphics Layer Engine), an open-source graphics abstraction layer that processes GPU commands and translates them into different graphics APIs such as Direct3D, Metal, Vulkan, and OpenGL.
The issue was caused by improper validation of untrusted input. In simple words: attackers could use maliciously crafted web pages to execute commands within your browser’s graphics process.
This is extremely serious because it allowed them to escape Chrome’s sandbox — the security barrier that isolates browser processes — and get dangerously close to your operating system. Once there, they could potentially install spyware, access your files, or steal your sensitive information.
The flaw was discovered in June 2025 by Vlad Stolyarov and Clément Lecigne, members of Google’s Threat Analysis Group (TAG), a specialized team dedicated to identifying attacks often backed by state-sponsored actors targeting high-risk individuals such as journalists, political activists, and dissidents.
After identifying the issue, they reported it to the Google Chrome team, which patched it on July 15, 2025. However, the fact that it was already being exploited in real attacks raised major alarms across the cybersecurity community.
What makes this case particularly serious is that it’s a zero-day attack. These threats are called that because attackers exploit the vulnerability before the company can fix it, leaving users completely exposed.
In this case, the flaw allowed attackers to execute arbitrary code in your Chrome browser. This means they could control what happened inside your browser without you noticing, with consequences such as:
In short: it was the perfect gateway for an attacker to infiltrate your device.
Apple acted quickly and released security updates to close this vulnerability on its main systems. If you own any of these devices, you must update immediately:
If you haven’t updated yet, your device is at risk.
On July 22, 2025, the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) added this vulnerability to its catalog of actively exploited flaws. It also required all federal agencies to patch it by August 12, 2025.
Although the mandate directly applies to government institutions, the recommendation also extends to all individuals and businesses: update as soon as possible.
According to CISA, vulnerabilities like this are a favorite entry point for cybercriminals to launch targeted attacks.
Learn more: Google Warns About 97 Zero-Day Vulnerabilities Exploited in 2024
This isn’t an isolated case. So far in 2025, Apple has already patched five zero-day vulnerabilities before this one:
This proves that attackers are constantly seeking new ways to exploit weaknesses in widely used systems, which makes continuous prevention and updates essential.
To keep your information safe, here are the practical steps you should follow:
If you use Google Chrome, make sure it’s updated. Click the three dots (top right), go to Help > About Google Chrome, and check for updates.
This ensures you never miss critical patches. Often, it’s the best way to stay protected at all times.
Don’t click on unknown links received via email, text messages, or social media, especially if you don’t trust the sender.
You might also be interested: The Best Antivirus Software in 2025: Protection without Compromise
You might think: “Nothing will happen if I wait a few days.” But with a zero-day attack, even hours can make a difference.
If you don’t update, you risk exposing your device to:
In short: delaying the update is like leaving your door wide open for attackers.
The CVE-2025-6558 vulnerability is a strong reminder that cybersecurity never stops. New threats emerge daily, and your best defense is in your hands: keeping your devices updated and adopting safe digital habits.
Remember: attackers never rest, but you can protect yourself with a single click on “Update.”