CVE-2021-37982 is a high-severity vulnerability affecting Google Chrome prior to version 95.0.4638.54. This vulnerability allows for a use after free condition in Incognito mode, which could be exploited by remote attackers through a specially crafted HTML page. The CVSS score assigned to this vulnerability is 8.8, indicating a high level of risk to organizations.
The nature of this vulnerability presents significant real-world risks. Attackers may leverage this flaw to execute arbitrary code, leading to potential data breaches and system compromises. The exploitation of this vulnerability requires user interaction, specifically opening a malicious page, which may limit its immediate impact but still warrants urgent attention.
Organizations should prioritize patching immediately to mitigate the risk associated with CVE-2021-37982. With the increasing sophistication of cyber threats, it is critical for organizations to stay ahead by ensuring their software is up to date.
The vulnerability was officially published on November 2, 2021, and has been classified under CWE-416, which pertains to use after free vulnerabilities. The urgency for remediation cannot be overstated given the potential for exploitation.
Vulnerability Details
According to the official CVE description, this vulnerability allows for heap corruption due to a use after free condition in Incognito mode of Google Chrome. The vulnerability affects all versions of Google Chrome prior to 95.0.4638.54.
The CVSS score of 8.8 indicates a high severity level, which is primarily attributed to the potential impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability, all rated as high. This means that successful exploitation could lead to unauthorized access and significant disruption of service.
The vulnerability was published on November 2, 2021, and has been classified under CWE-416. Organizations using affected versions of Google Chrome should be particularly vigilant and ensure that they are running the latest version to protect against this vulnerability.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of this vulnerability stems from improper management of memory, specifically a use after free condition that occurs when the memory is accessed after it has been released. This allows attackers to manipulate the memory and potentially execute arbitrary code.
The attack vector for this vulnerability is network-based, which means that an attacker can exploit it remotely. Low attack complexity is indicated as no special conditions are required to carry out the attack, aside from user interaction, such as visiting a malicious webpage.
The privilege required to exploit this vulnerability is none, meaning that even unprivileged users can be affected if they interact with a crafted HTML page. User interaction is required, which adds a layer of difficulty for attackers but does not eliminate the risk.
The potential impacts of the vulnerability include high confidentiality, integrity, and availability impacts, meaning that attackers could compromise sensitive information, modify data, or disrupt services.
Risk & Impact Analysis
The deployment of this vulnerability in the wild poses significant risks to organizations relying on affected versions of Google Chrome. The potential for heap corruption can lead to unauthorized access and data breaches, making it imperative for organizations to assess their risk posture and intervene promptly.
Organizations must recognize that any delay in addressing this vulnerability could result in substantial repercussions, including financial loss, reputational damage, and legal liabilities. The attack vector being network-based increases the urgency, as it allows attackers to exploit the vulnerability without needing physical access to the targeted systems.
The vulnerability's CVSS score of 8.8 indicates a high urgency level. Organizations should address this vulnerability in their priority patch cycle to prevent potential exploitation.
Exploitation Status
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | No |
Public PoC | No |
Actively Exploited | No |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
The affected versions of Google Chrome are all versions prior to 95.0.4638.54. Additionally, Debian Linux versions 10.0 and 11.0 are also vulnerable. Users should ensure they are updated to the latest version to mitigate risks associated with this vulnerability.
Mitigation & Remediation
To mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2021-37982, organizations should update Google Chrome to version 95.0.4638.54 or later. If immediate patching is not possible, consider implementing workarounds such as restricting access to certain web pages and enhancing user training on identifying potential phishing attacks.
Additionally, organizations can enhance security through network controls to monitor for suspicious activity and ensure that browsers are configured securely. Ongoing monitoring of logs for unusual behavior is also advised.
For comprehensive security assessments, organizations may consider engaging in penetration testing to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities.
Detection Guidance
Organizations should monitor logs for indicators of exploitation, such as unexpected crashes or abnormal memory usage patterns. Detection of attempts to access the memory after it has been freed should be prioritized.
Behavioral anomalies in user sessions, particularly those involving Incognito mode, should also be investigated. Implementing network signatures to detect malicious payloads can aid in identifying attempts to exploit this vulnerability.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
CVE-2021-37982 serves as a reminder of the ongoing issues surrounding memory management vulnerabilities in software. This vulnerability highlights the importance of rigorous testing and security audits during the development process.
The low attack complexity and high impact potential indicate a trend that security teams must remain vigilant against. Organizations should learn from this event by enhancing security practices and ensuring that all software is regularly updated.
To further enhance security posture, organizations can benefit from designing a vulnerability management program and implementing effective penetration testing methodologies to proactively identify and address vulnerabilities before they can be exploited.
Moreover, continuous learning about emerging threats, including those targeting memory management, is crucial for maintaining a robust security posture.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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