Learn about CVE-2021-21126, a critical vulnerability in Google Chrome allowing remote attacks pre-version 88.0.4324.96. Find out its impact, technical details, and mitigation steps.
This article delves into the details of CVE-2021-21126, a vulnerability in Google Chrome that allowed a remote attacker to bypass site isolation. Understand the impact, technical details, mitigation steps, and more.
Understanding CVE-2021-21126
CVE-2021-21126 is a security vulnerability found in Google Chrome versions prior to 88.0.4324.96 that resulted from insufficient policy enforcement in extensions.
What is CVE-2021-21126?
The vulnerability allowed a remote attacker to bypass site isolation mechanisms by exploiting a crafted Chrome Extension, potentially leading to unauthorized access to sensitive information.
The Impact of CVE-2021-21126
The impact of this vulnerability is severe as it could enable attackers to execute arbitrary code within the context of the Chrome browser, posing a significant risk to user data and system integrity.
Technical Details of CVE-2021-21126
This section provides insights into the vulnerability description, affected systems, and the exploitation mechanism.
Vulnerability Description
The flaw was due to insufficient policy enforcement in extensions, which could be leveraged by attackers to circumvent security controls and compromise user data.
Affected Systems and Versions
Google Chrome versions before 88.0.4324.96 were impacted by this vulnerability, specifically affecting users who had installed custom Chrome Extensions.
Exploitation Mechanism
By crafting a malicious Chrome Extension, threat actors could exploit the inadequate policy enforcement to evade site isolation and launch attacks on vulnerable systems.
Mitigation and Prevention
To address CVE-2021-21126, users and organizations should take immediate steps to secure their systems and implement long-term security practices.
Immediate Steps to Take
Users are advised to update their Chrome browser to version 88.0.4324.96 or newer, remove any unnecessary extensions, and be cautious while installing new extensions.
Long-Term Security Practices
Maintaining browser and extension hygiene, adopting least privilege principles, and staying informed about security best practices can enhance overall cybersecurity posture.
Patching and Updates
Regularly applying security patches and staying updated on the latest Chrome releases is crucial to mitigate the risk of known vulnerabilities and protect against potential threats.