CVE-2021-30546 is a high-severity vulnerability affecting Google Chrome prior to version 91.0.4472.101. This vulnerability allows for a use-after-free condition in the Autofill feature, which can lead to potential heap corruption. Attackers could exploit this vulnerability by crafting a malicious HTML page designed to trigger the flaw, thereby compromising the integrity of affected systems.
With a CVSS score of 8.8, this vulnerability poses a significant risk to organizations, particularly those relying on Chrome in environments where user interaction is involved. The attack vector is network-based, allowing attackers to exploit this vulnerability remotely without requiring authentication.
Organizations should prioritize patching immediately. Failure to do so may result in unauthorized access and control over sensitive data, leading to substantial operational and reputational damage.
As of now, there are no confirmed public exploits or proof-of-concept (PoC) code available. However, given the nature of the vulnerability and its high profile, it is crucial for security teams to remain vigilant.
In summary, CVE-2021-30546 represents a critical security concern for users of Google Chrome, especially in environments with high reliance on web applications. Organizations should take immediate action to ensure their systems are updated to the latest version.
Vulnerability Details
The official description of this vulnerability states that a use-after-free in Autofill within Google Chrome prior to version 91.0.4472.101 allowed a remote attacker to potentially exploit heap corruption via a crafted HTML page.
This vulnerability has been classified under CWE-416, which pertains to use after free errors. The CVSS score of 8.8 indicates a high severity level, signifying the potential for devastating impacts on confidentiality, integrity, and availability.
The affected product, Google Chrome, is widely used, making this vulnerability significant in the context of web security.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of CVE-2021-30546 stems from improper handling of memory allocation in the Autofill feature of Google Chrome. When a user interacts with the Autofill functionality, the browser may incorrectly manage memory that has already been freed, leading to potential exploitation.
The attack vector is network-based, meaning an attacker can exploit this vulnerability through the internet. The complexity of the attack is rated as low, and the attacker does not need any privileges to execute the attack. However, user interaction is required, as victims must visit a page containing the malicious HTML.
The potential impacts of this vulnerability are severe, with high risk to confidentiality, integrity, and availability. If exploited, attackers could leak sensitive information, alter data, or disrupt service.
Risk & Impact Analysis
Risk to organizations includes unauthorized access to sensitive data and operational disruption, particularly for those that utilize Chrome extensively in their workflows. The potential for exploitation underscores the urgency for organizations to prioritize remediation.
Given the high CVSS score of 8.8, the urgency assessment is critical. Organizations should address this vulnerability in their immediate patching cycle to mitigate risks associated with exploitation.
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | No |
Public PoC | No |
Actively Exploited | No |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
Google Chrome versions prior to 91.0.4472.101 are affected. Fedora versions 33 and 34 are also impacted by this vulnerability.
Mitigation & Remediation
Organizations should update Google Chrome to version 91.0.4472.101 or later to remediate this vulnerability. If patching is not immediately possible, consider implementing strict network controls to limit access to affected systems and monitor for any unusual activity. Additionally, organizations can enhance their security posture through penetration testing to identify potential vulnerabilities.
Detection Guidance
To detect exploitation attempts, organizations should monitor for unusual network activity originating from untrusted sources, particularly traffic attempting to access Autofill functionalities. Additionally, logging and analyzing user interactions with Autofill features can help identify potential misuse.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
CVE-2021-30546 highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date software to mitigate risks associated with known vulnerabilities. Security teams should regularly review their patch management policies and ensure that all software is kept current. This incident reflects a broader trend of vulnerabilities arising from memory management errors, emphasizing the need for thorough code reviews and testing.
Organizations should consider implementing a comprehensive vulnerability management program to proactively identify and address similar issues before they can be exploited.
Continuous security assessments, including regular penetration testing, can help organizations stay ahead of emerging threats.
Lastly, fostering a security-aware culture within the organization can significantly reduce the risks posed by such vulnerabilities, as employees are often the first line of defense.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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