Google has released Chrome 142, the latest stable version of its web browser. An Extended Stable branch remains available for users requiring additional time to update, with support extended for eight weeks. Chrome 143 is scheduled for release on December 2, 2025. Here are the details.
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What's new in Chrome 142
Security Enhancements
Local System Access Protection
Chrome 142 introduces a user confirmation prompt when public or internal websites attempt to access local system resources—such as IP addresses in the 127.0.0.0/8 range. This applies to resource downloads, fetch() requests, and iframe insertions. Support for WebSockets, WebTransport, and WebRTC will follow in future updates.
This measure addresses threats like CSRF attacks targeting routers, printers, and internal web interfaces, as well as network reconnaissance techniques that exploit local resource access.
Extension Policy Enforcement
On Windows and macOS systems without centralized Chrome management, the browser now automatically disables extensions that violate some Chrome Web Store policies. These include issues such as metadata manipulation, unauthorized installations, misleading functionality, potential vulnerabilities, and user data policy breaches. Users retain the option to re-enable any disabled extension.
Simplified Google Account Sync
Chrome 142 integrates account sign-in and data synchronization into a single interface. Users can now link their Google account to sync passwords, bookmarks, browsing history, and open tabs without navigating separate settings. The feature is rolling out gradually and is currently active for a subset of users.
New Origin Isolation Model
A new process isolation model, “Origin Isolation,” isolates each origin (defined by protocol, domain, and port) into its own rendering process. To balance performance, this mode activates only on devices with more than 4 GB of RAM. Systems with lower memory retain the previous site-level isolation model.
Web Platform Updates
CSS and HTML Enhancements
Developers gain access to new CSS pseudo-classes :target-before and :target-after, which identify scroll markers relative to the current :target. Additionally, style containers (@container) and the if() function now support Range Syntax from Media Queries Level 4, enabling expressions like @container style(--inner-padding > 1em).
The <button> and <a> elements now support the interestfor attribute. This triggers an InterestEvent when the browser detects user interest—such as hover, key press, or touch hold—enabling responsive UI behaviors like popups.
Activation State Preservation
Page activation status now persists across navigations within the same domain. This change simplifies development of multi-page applications, particularly for managing input focus when virtual keyboards appear.
Post-Quantum Security for WebRTC
Chrome 142 implements post-quantum encryption algorithms in DTLS (Datagram Transport Layer Security), the protocol securing WebRTC connections over UDP.
Developer Tools and AI Integration
AI Assistant in DevTools
Chrome DevTools now features a dedicated AI assistant button in the top-right corner. The “Ask AI” option has been renamed “Debug with AI” and expanded to support context-aware actions. The Gemini model provides code suggestions directly in the console and source panels.
Google Developer Program Integration
Developers can access their Google Developer Program (GDP) profile directly from DevTools and earn rewards by completing designated tasks within the interface.
Vulnerability Fixes
Chrome 142 resolves 20 security vulnerabilities, many identified through automated tools including AddressSanitizer, MemorySanitizer, Control Flow Integrity, LibFuzzer, and AFL. No critical sandbox escape vulnerabilities were found.
Google awarded $130,000 in bug bounty rewards for this release, comprising two $50,000 awards, one $10,000 award, three $3,000 awards, two $2,000 awards, and three $1,000 awards. Eight additional reward amounts remain pending determination.
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