CVE-2021-21202 is a high-severity vulnerability affecting Google Chrome versions prior to 90.0.4430.72. This vulnerability allows an attacker to exploit a use-after-free condition in Chrome extensions, potentially leading to a sandbox escape. The risk is significant as it could enable malicious actors to execute arbitrary code outside the confines of the browser.
With a CVSS score of 8.6, this vulnerability falls into the high severity category. The ability for attackers to leverage this flaw poses substantial risks to individuals and organizations that rely on Chrome for web browsing. It is crucial for users to understand the implications of this vulnerability and the urgency required to address it.
The vulnerability was published on April 26, 2021, and reflects a modified status as of November 21, 2024. Organizations that utilize Google Chrome in their operational environments must prioritize patching to the latest version to mitigate exposure to this vulnerability.
Given the nature of this vulnerability, it is imperative for security teams to assess their current browser versions and ensure that updates are applied without delay to prevent potential exploitation by malicious actors.
Vulnerability Details
This vulnerability allows an attacker who convinces a user to install a malicious extension to potentially perform a sandbox escape via a crafted Chrome Extension. It has been classified under CWE-416, which relates to use after free vulnerabilities.
The CVSS score of 8.6 reflects the high severity level, indicating critical risks associated with both confidentiality and integrity impacts. The attack vector is local, meaning that the attack must be executed on the target machine, but the simplicity of the attack (low complexity) combined with the requirement for user interaction increases the potential for exploitation.
Organizations using Chrome should be aware that all versions prior to 90.0.4430.72 are affected, and immediate action is recommended to patch or update.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of this vulnerability is a use-after-free error that occurs in the Chrome extension handling process. This flaw allows an attacker to manipulate memory allocations, leading to potential arbitrary code execution. The attack can be executed locally, requiring the attacker to convince the user to install a malicious extension.
The attack complexity is low, and attackers require no privileges, but user interaction is necessary. If successfully exploited, the attacker could gain high levels of confidentiality, integrity, and availability impacts due to the nature of the attacks that can be executed.
Risk & Impact Analysis
Risk to organizations includes significant potential for data exposure and system compromise. The use after free vulnerability could allow attackers to escape the Chrome sandbox, leading to unauthorized access to sensitive information and resources on the host system.
Given the high CVSS score, organizations must prioritize patching immediately. The blast radius for this vulnerability is considerable, especially for environments where Chrome is extensively used for critical operations. The urgency for remediation is further highlighted by the potential for exploitation to lead to severe data breaches.
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | No |
Public PoC | No |
Actively Exploited | No |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
All versions of Google Chrome prior to 90.0.4430.72 are affected by this vulnerability. This includes various distributions of Linux, such as Debian and Fedora, as indicated by the CPE entries.
Mitigation & Remediation
Organizations must address this vulnerability by updating Google Chrome to the latest version immediately. The update to version 90.0.4430.72 or later should be prioritized to mitigate the risks associated with this vulnerability. If patching is not possible right away, consider implementing configuration hardening measures and network controls to limit exposure.
For further guidance on security practices, organizations may explore resources on penetration testing to ensure robust security postures.
Detection Guidance
Monitoring for unusual activities related to Chrome extensions can help detect potential exploitation attempts. Organizations should review log indicators for unexpected extension installations or modifications.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
The long-term significance of this vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date software to mitigate risks associated with exploitation. Organizations must stay informed of new vulnerabilities and trends to adapt their security strategies accordingly.
Security teams should also focus on enhancing their incident response capabilities to address potential threats effectively. For guidance on best practices, consider reviewing our resources on penetration testing methodology and vulnerability management program design to enhance your security posture.
By understanding the implications of CVE-2021-21202 and other vulnerabilities, organizations can better protect themselves against potential threats and enhance their overall security strategies.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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