CVE-2021-21166 is a high-severity vulnerability affecting Google Chrome prior to version 89.0.4389.72. This vulnerability allows remote attackers to potentially exploit heap corruption through a specially crafted HTML page. Given its high CVSS score of 8.8, this vulnerability poses a significant risk to organizations using affected versions of Chrome.
Risk to organizations includes unauthorized access to sensitive data, system compromise, and potential exploitation through malicious web pages. The attack vector is network-based, and it requires user interaction, making it critical for organizations to educate users on safe browsing practices. The urgency for defenders is high, as attackers may leverage this vulnerability to initiate further attacks.
The vulnerability has been analyzed and is included in the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog, indicating that it is actively being exploited in the wild. Organizations should prioritize patching immediately to mitigate risks associated with this vulnerability.
As of now, no public exploit has been confirmed, but the potential for exploitation remains, especially given the low attack complexity and lack of required privileges for exploitation.
Vulnerability Details
The vulnerability is classified as a data race in audio processing within Google Chrome. It has a CVSS v3.1 score of 8.8, classified as high severity. The CWE associated with this vulnerability is CWE-362. This vulnerability affects multiple products, including Google Chrome and systems running Debian and Fedora.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of CVE-2021-21166 lies in a race condition that occurs in the audio processing component of Google Chrome. The attack vector is network-based, meaning that attackers can exploit this vulnerability remotely without requiring physical access to the targeted system. The attack complexity is low, and no special privileges are required, making it easier for attackers to exploit this flaw.
User interaction is required, as the victim must visit a malicious web page for the exploit to be executed. If successfully exploited, the vulnerability can lead to high impacts on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. Therefore, organizations must remain vigilant against potential exploitation.
Risk & Impact Analysis
The real-world deployment risk associated with CVE-2021-21166 is substantial. Given the widespread use of Google Chrome, the potential blast radius is extensive, affecting numerous users globally. Organizations must consider the implications of compromised systems, including data breaches and loss of user trust.
The urgency for remediation is high, particularly for organizations that rely on Google Chrome for day-to-day operations. The KEV catalog entry indicates that this vulnerability is actively being targeted by attackers, further underscoring the need for immediate action.
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | No |
Public PoC | No |
Actively Exploited | Yes |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
This vulnerability affects all versions of Google Chrome prior to 89.0.4389.72, as well as specific versions of Fedora and Debian Linux. Organizations should ensure that they are using the latest versions of these products to mitigate exposure.
Mitigation & Remediation
Organizations should apply updates as per vendor instructions to address CVE-2021-21166. For Google Chrome, ensure that you are running version 89.0.4389.72 or later. If immediate patching is not possible, consider implementing network controls to restrict access to potentially malicious web pages.
Additionally, organizations may benefit from conducting regular security assessments and penetration testing to identify vulnerabilities in their web applications and overall infrastructure.
Detection Guidance
Monitor logs for any unusual activity that indicates attempts to exploit this vulnerability, such as unusual network traffic patterns or user interactions with untrusted websites. Behavioral anomalies in user actions may also indicate potential exploitation attempts.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
CVE-2021-21166 highlights the importance of maintaining updated software to mitigate vulnerabilities. The trend of exploiting race conditions in widely used applications is concerning, as it leverages common user behaviors, such as visiting crafted web pages. Organizations should invest in their security posture through continuous security testing and vulnerability management programs.
To further enhance your security, consider engaging in penetration testing and review your incident response plans to ensure readiness against potential attacks.
For more insights on managing vulnerabilities, read our article on vulnerability management programs. Additionally, understanding the nuances of penetration testing methodology can enhance your security assessment strategies.
Lastly, for organizations utilizing cloud services, our guide on cloud penetration testing provides valuable tips for securing your cloud environments.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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