CVE-2021-21151 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

A detailed analysis of CVE-2021-21151, a vulnerability in Google Chrome prior to version 88.0.4324.182 that allowed a remote attacker to potentially perform a sandbox escape.

Understanding CVE-2021-21151

This section explores the impact, technical details, and mitigation strategies related to CVE-2021-21151.

What is CVE-2021-21151?

CVE-2021-21151 is a 'Use after free' vulnerability in Payments in Google Chrome versions prior to 88.0.4324.182. It enabled a remote attacker to potentially execute a sandbox escape through a specially crafted HTML page.

The Impact of CVE-2021-21151

The vulnerability could be exploited by an attacker to escape the browser's sandbox environment, leading to unauthorized access and potentially further malicious actions.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-21151

In-depth technical aspects of the vulnerability, including its description, affected systems, and exploitation mechanisms.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises from a use-after-free error in Payments within Google Chrome, allowing an attacker to manipulate memory pointers post-deallocation.

Affected Systems and Versions

Google Chrome versions less than 88.0.4324.182 are impacted by this vulnerability. Users of these versions are at risk of exploitation.

Exploitation Mechanism

By exploiting the use-after-free error in Chrome's Payments feature, a remote attacker can carefully design an HTML page to trigger the vulnerability and escape the browser's sandbox.

Mitigation and Prevention

Best practices to mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2021-21151 and prevent potential security breaches.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users should update Google Chrome to version 88.0.4324.182 or newer to patch the vulnerability and prevent exploitation. Additionally, exercise caution while browsing unfamiliar websites.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update browsers and software to the latest versions, maintain strong security configurations, and stay informed about emerging threats and patches.

Patching and Updates

Google has released a stable channel update addressing CVE-2021-21151. Ensure that Chrome is set to auto-update or manually check for updates to safeguard against known vulnerabilities.