CVE-2021-21115 : What You Need to Know

A user-after-free vulnerability in safe browsing in Google Chrome prior to version 87.0.4280.141 allowed a remote attacker to potentially perform a sandbox escape via a crafted HTML page.

Understanding CVE-2021-21115

This section provides insights into the impact, technical details, and mitigation strategies related to CVE-2021-21115.

What is CVE-2021-21115?

The CVE-2021-21115 vulnerability is a user-after-free flaw in safe browsing in Google Chrome versions prior to 87.0.4280.141. It enabled a remote attacker to execute arbitrary code and potentially escape the browser's sandbox environment.

The Impact of CVE-2021-21115

The impact of this vulnerability includes the ability for a compromised renderer process to trigger a sandbox escape through a maliciously crafted HTML page, leading to potential code execution by an attacker.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-21115

Here we delve into the vulnerability description, affected systems, and the exploitation mechanism associated with CVE-2021-21115.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability allowed a remote attacker who had compromised the renderer process to exploit the user-after-free issue in safe browsing, potentially leading to a sandbox escape via a specially crafted HTML page.

Affected Systems and Versions

Google Chrome versions prior to 87.0.4280.141 were affected by this vulnerability, highlighting the importance of updating to the latest secure version to mitigate risks.

Exploitation Mechanism

By leveraging the user-after-free flaw in safe browsing, an attacker could craft a malicious HTML page to trigger the vulnerability, compromising the renderer process and enabling a sandbox escape.

Mitigation and Prevention

This section outlines the immediate steps to take and best security practices to prevent exploitation of CVE-2021-21115.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users are advised to update Google Chrome to version 87.0.4280.141 or later to mitigate the vulnerability. Additionally, exercising caution while browsing unfamiliar websites can help reduce the risk of exploitation.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing secure browsing habits, regularly updating software, and staying informed about security advisories can enhance overall cybersecurity posture and prevent future vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Following vendor advisories and promptly applying security patches are crucial steps in safeguarding systems against known vulnerabilities. Stay vigilant for security updates from Google Chrome to address CVE-2021-21115 effectively.