CVE-2021-38000 is a medium-severity vulnerability that affects Google Chrome on Android devices prior to version 95.0.4638.69. This vulnerability allows remote attackers to arbitrarily direct users to malicious URLs by utilizing a crafted HTML page. The risk to organizations includes potential exposure to phishing attacks and other malicious exploits.
The CVSS score for this vulnerability is 6.1, indicating a medium level of severity. Its classification underlines the importance of timely remediation, as the low attack complexity and network attack vector mean that it can be exploited without requiring physical access to the device.
Given the nature of this vulnerability and its potential impact, organizations should prioritize patching immediately. Exploitation of this vulnerability could lead to unauthorized access and control over affected devices.
Currently, there is no public exploit confirmed for this vulnerability. However, the presence in the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog indicates that it is being actively monitored for exploitation. Organizations should remain vigilant and ensure they are running the latest versions of their software.
Vulnerability Details
Insufficient validation of untrusted input in Intents in Google Chrome on Android prior to version 95.0.4638.69 allowed a remote attacker to arbitrarily browse to a malicious URL via a crafted HTML page. This situation exemplifies the risks associated with improper input validation.
The vulnerability has a CVSS score of 6.1, categorized as medium severity. The attack vector is classified as network, with low complexity and no privileges required. User interaction is necessary for exploitation, which typically involves the victim clicking on a malicious link.
Affected products include Google Chrome on Android, along with various distributions of Linux such as Debian and Fedora. The vulnerability was published on November 23, 2021.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of CVE-2021-38000 lies in the insufficient validation of untrusted input, which exposes users to the risk of being redirected to malicious websites. The attack vector is through crafted HTML pages, making it a network-based attack that requires user interaction.
Attack complexity is considered low, meaning that the vulnerability can be exploited without advanced skills. No privileges are required for an attacker, and the user must click on a malicious link, making user awareness a critical aspect of defense.
The impact on confidentiality and integrity is classified as low, with no availability impact. This suggests that while the data may not be directly compromised, the potential for phishing and social engineering attacks remains a significant concern.
Risk & Impact Analysis
The real-world deployment risk of CVE-2021-38000 is significant, particularly for organizations utilizing Google Chrome on Android devices. Attackers may leverage this vulnerability to redirect users to malicious websites, leading to potential data breaches or unauthorized access.
Organizations should be aware of the blast radius associated with this vulnerability, especially if users are accessing sensitive information through their browsers. The urgency for addressing this vulnerability is high, given its inclusion in the KEV catalog.
With an EPSS score of 0.045, the probability of exploitation is relatively low, but this should not diminish the urgency of patching. Organizations must adopt a proactive approach to security by ensuring all software is kept up to date.
Exploitation Status
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | No |
Public PoC | No |
Actively Exploited | Yes |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
The affected versions include Google Chrome on Android prior to 95.0.4638.69, along with Debian and Fedora systems running specific versions. Organizations should ensure that they are using up-to-date software to mitigate risks associated with this vulnerability.
Mitigation & Remediation
Organizations must apply patches as per vendor instructions to mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2021-38000. It is recommended to upgrade to the latest version of Google Chrome, as well as update any affected Linux distributions such as Debian and Fedora.
If immediate patching is not feasible, organizations should consider implementing additional network controls and monitoring strategies. This includes educating users about the risks of clicking on unknown links and promoting best practices for safe browsing.
For further assistance, organizations may explore resources on penetration testing to validate their security posture.
Detection Guidance
To effectively detect potential exploitation of this vulnerability, organizations should monitor for unusual log indicators, especially those related to browser activity. Behavioral anomalies, such as unexpected redirects or attempts to access unfamiliar URLs, should trigger further investigation.
Additionally, network signatures that correspond to known malicious domains should be incorporated into security monitoring solutions. Regular audits of system changes can also help identify potential exploitation attempts.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
CVE-2021-38000 highlights the ongoing challenges associated with input validation vulnerabilities. As web applications continue to evolve, ensuring robust validation mechanisms is crucial for preventing unauthorized access.
Security teams should be aware of patterns in exploitation, particularly as attackers increasingly leverage social engineering tactics. By understanding the implications of such vulnerabilities, organizations can better prepare their defenses.
In conclusion, organizations are encouraged to stay informed about vulnerabilities like CVE-2021-38000 and take proactive measures to strengthen their security posture. For detailed strategies, organizations can refer to our resources on penetration testing methodology and best practices.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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