CVE-2021-21165 : What You Need to Know

A data race in audio in Google Chrome before version 89.0.4389.72 could allow a remote attacker to exploit heap corruption through a specially crafted HTML page.

Understanding CVE-2021-21165

This section will delve into the details of CVE-2021-21165, shedding light on its impact, technical aspects, and mitigation strategies.

What is CVE-2021-21165?

The vulnerability stemmed from an object lifecycle issue within Google Chrome's audio component, prior to version 89.0.4389.72. This flaw could be abused by a remote attacker to trigger heap corruption using a malicious HTML page.

The Impact of CVE-2021-21165

The exploitation of this vulnerability could result in remote code execution, potentially compromising the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected system. As such, it posed a significant threat to Chrome users.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-21165

In this section, we will explore the specific technical aspects of CVE-2021-21165, including the vulnerability description, affected systems, and exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arose from a data race issue within the audio functionality of Chrome, preceding version 89.0.4389.72. This flaw enabled a remote attacker to orchestrate heap corruption via a crafted HTML page, paving the way for further exploitation.

Affected Systems and Versions

Google Chrome versions prior to 89.0.4389.72 were susceptible to this vulnerability. Users with outdated Chrome installations were at risk of falling victim to potential exploitation by threat actors leveraging this flaw.

Exploitation Mechanism

Cybercriminals could exploit this vulnerability by enticing users to visit a specially crafted HTML page. Upon interaction with the malicious content, an attacker could trigger the data race issue in Chrome's audio component, leading to heap corruption and subsequent remote code execution.

Mitigation and Prevention

This section will outline the recommended steps to mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2021-21165, aiding users and organizations in safeguarding their systems against potential threats.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users are advised to update their Google Chrome browser to version 89.0.4389.72 or later to eliminate the vulnerability. Additionally, exercising caution while browsing and avoiding interactions with suspicious or untrusted websites can reduce the risk of exploitation.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing robust security measures, such as regular software updates, employing security tools, and fostering cybersecurity awareness, can bolster the overall defense posture against similar vulnerabilities in the future.

Patching and Updates

Google has released security patches to address CVE-2021-21165 in newer versions of Chrome. Users should promptly apply these patches and stay vigilant for future updates to fortify their systems against evolving threats.