CVE-2021-21149 is a high-severity vulnerability affecting Google Chrome on Linux systems prior to version 88.0.4324.182. This vulnerability allows a remote attacker to exploit a stack buffer overflow in the Data Transfer component, leading to potential out-of-bounds memory access via a crafted HTML page. The CVSS score of 8.8 signifies a serious risk to users, particularly due to the network attack vector and low complexity required for exploitation. Given its nature, organizations should prioritize patching immediately.
The impact of this vulnerability is significant, as it can lead to unauthorized access, data leakage, and service interruptions. Attackers may leverage this vulnerability to execute arbitrary code, compromising the security of affected systems. Therefore, it is crucial for organizations using vulnerable versions of Google Chrome to take immediate action to remediate this issue.
As of the last update, no public exploits have been confirmed, and this vulnerability is not included in the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog. However, given the nature of the vulnerability and its severity, there is a risk that exploitation could occur if not addressed promptly. Therefore, organizations should address in their priority patch cycle.
To mitigate risks, organizations must ensure they are running the latest version of Google Chrome. The urgency of this vulnerability cannot be overstated, and proactive measures are necessary to safeguard systems and data.
Vulnerability Details
The vulnerability, classified as a stack buffer overflow, affects Google Chrome on Linux systems prior to version 88.0.4324.182. The CVSS score of 8.8 is indicative of high severity, resulting from the potential for attackers to execute arbitrary code through out-of-bounds memory access. This is classified under CWE-787, highlighting the nature of the vulnerability.
The vulnerability was published on February 22, 2021, and has since been modified, indicating ongoing developments regarding its status and mitigation. Organizations are advised to remain vigilant and monitor for updates related to this vulnerability.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of this vulnerability lies in improper handling of memory within the Data Transfer component of Google Chrome, which can lead to stack buffer overflows. The attack vector is network-based, requiring the attacker to lure the victim into interacting with a malicious HTML page. The attack complexity is low, as no special conditions are required, and no privileges are needed for exploitation. User interaction is necessary, making it imperative for users to follow security best practices.
The confidentiality, integrity, and availability impacts are all rated as high, indicating the potential for significant damage should this vulnerability be exploited. Organizations using the affected versions of Chrome should consider the implications of this vulnerability on their operations and data security.
Risk & Impact Analysis
Risk to organizations includes exposure to unauthorized access, data theft, and potential operational disruptions. The blast radius for this vulnerability is considerable, particularly for organizations using the affected versions of Google Chrome. Given the CVSS score of 8.8, organizations must assess their risk posture and prioritize remediation efforts accordingly.
The urgency for remediation is underscored by the potential for exploitation in the wild, despite no public exploits being confirmed at this time. Organizations should schedule remediation into their immediate patch cycles to prevent possible exploitation.
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | No |
Public PoC | No |
Actively Exploited | No |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
The affected versions of Google Chrome include all versions prior to 88.0.4324.182. Additionally, Fedora versions 32 and 33 are also impacted. Organizations should verify their current versions and apply necessary updates.
Mitigation & Remediation
Organizations must ensure they are using the latest version of Google Chrome to mitigate this vulnerability. For those unable to upgrade immediately, configuration hardening and strict user access controls can help reduce the attack surface. More information on this can be found through penetration testing services which can identify similar weaknesses.
Detection Guidance
To detect potential exploitation attempts, organizations should monitor logs for unusual access patterns, particularly those involving HTML page interactions. Behavioral anomalies in user activities may also indicate attempts to exploit this vulnerability. Network signatures associated with this vulnerability should be integrated into monitoring tools for timely alerts.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
The long-term significance of CVE-2021-21149 lies in its representation of the ongoing challenges faced by organizations in securing web browsers, a critical component of modern computing. This vulnerability highlights the importance of proactive vulnerability management and the need for organizations to stay informed about emerging threats.
Organizations can strengthen their defenses by implementing comprehensive vulnerability management programs, including regular security assessments and user education on safe browsing practices. For detailed insights on vulnerability management, refer to our guide on vulnerability management programs and best practices.
Security teams should also focus on effective incident response strategies to quickly address any exploitation attempts. For more information on incident response, refer to our article on penetration testing methodology to enhance their preparedness.
Finally, it is vital for organizations to engage in continuous security testing practices, ensuring that vulnerabilities are identified and remediated before they can be exploited. For ongoing security assessments, consider implementing continuous security testing approaches.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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