Learn about CVE-2021-21122, a 'Use after free' vulnerability in Google Chrome before 88.0.4324.96 that allows heap corruption. Find technical details, impact, and mitigation steps.
A detailed overview of CVE-2021-21122, a vulnerability in Google Chrome versions prior to 88.0.4324.96 that allows remote attackers to exploit heap corruption.
Understanding CVE-2021-21122
This section covers the impact, technical details, and mitigation strategies related to the CVE-2021-21122 vulnerability.
What is CVE-2021-21122?
The CVE-2021-21122 is a 'Use after free' vulnerability in Blink in Google Chrome before version 88.0.4324.96. It enables a remote attacker to potentially exploit heap corruption through a specially crafted HTML page.
The Impact of CVE-2021-21122
The vulnerability in Google Chrome versions before 88.0.4324.96 could lead to heap corruption, allowing remote attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service condition.
Technical Details of CVE-2021-21122
This section delves into the specifics of the vulnerability, including its description, affected systems, versions, and exploitation mechanism.
Vulnerability Description
The flaw in Blink in Google Chrome enables a use-after-free scenario, where an attacker can manipulate memory objects after they have been freed, leading to potential heap corruption.
Affected Systems and Versions
Google Chrome versions earlier than 88.0.4324.96 are susceptible to this vulnerability. Users of these versions are at risk of exploitation by remote attackers.
Exploitation Mechanism
Attackers can exploit the CVE-2021-21122 vulnerability by enticing users to visit a malicious website hosting a specially crafted HTML page that triggers the use-after-free condition in Blink.
Mitigation and Prevention
In this section, we discuss immediate steps to take to secure systems, as well as long-term security practices and the importance of patching and updates.
Immediate Steps to Take
Users are advised to update Google Chrome to version 88.0.4324.96 or later to mitigate the risk of exploitation. Additionally, exercise caution when visiting unfamiliar websites.
Long-Term Security Practices
Maintaining up-to-date software, implementing secure browsing habits, and practicing defense-in-depth strategies are essential for long-term security against similar vulnerabilities.
Patching and Updates
Regularly check for security updates from Google Chrome and apply patches promptly to address known vulnerabilities and enhance the security posture of the browser.