CVE-2021-21146 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

Use after free in Navigation in Google Chrome prior to version 88.0.4324.146 allowed a remote attacker to potentially escape the sandbox via a crafted HTML page.

Understanding CVE-2021-21146

This section provides insights into the impact, technical details, and mitigation strategies for CVE-2021-21146.

What is CVE-2021-21146?

CVE-2021-21146 is a vulnerability in Google Chrome that allowed a remote attacker to exploit a use after free issue in the Navigation component, potentially leading to a sandbox escape.

The Impact of CVE-2021-21146

The impact of this CVE includes the risk of a compromised renderer process being exploited by an attacker to escape the sandbox using a specially crafted HTML page.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-21146

Here we delve into the specifics of the vulnerability and its implications.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability involved a use after free issue in the Navigation component of Google Chrome prior to version 88.0.4324.146, allowing a remote attacker to escape the sandbox.

Affected Systems and Versions

Google Chrome versions prior to 88.0.4324.146 are affected by this vulnerability.

Exploitation Mechanism

A remote attacker who had already compromised the renderer process could exploit this vulnerability via a crafted HTML page to potentially perform a sandbox escape.

Mitigation and Prevention

Learn about the steps to take immediately and best practices for long-term security.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users and organizations should update Google Chrome to version 88.0.4324.146 or newer to mitigate the risk associated with CVE-2021-21146.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update browsers and software to the latest versions, follow secure coding practices, and ensure timely security patches are applied.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security advisories and apply patches promptly to prevent exploitation of known vulnerabilities.