CVE-2021-21168 : Security Advisory and Response

Insufficient policy enforcement in appcache in Google Chrome prior to 89.0.4389.72 allowed a remote attacker to obtain potentially sensitive information from process memory via a crafted HTML page.

Understanding CVE-2021-20657

This section provides insight into the impact, technical details, and mitigation strategies related to CVE-2021-20657.

What is CVE-2021-20657?

CVE-2021-20657 involves insufficient policy enforcement in appcache in Google Chrome versions prior to 89.0.4389.72. This vulnerability enables a remote attacker to extract sensitive data from process memory by exploiting a specially designed HTML page.

The Impact of CVE-2021-20657

The security flaw in appcache of affected Chrome versions could lead to unauthorized access to confidential information stored in the browser's memory. This could potentially result in data breaches and compromise user privacy.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-20657

Let's delve deeper into the technical aspects of CVE-2021-20657 to understand the vulnerability, affected systems, and the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises from the lack of proper policy enforcement within the appcache component of Chrome, allowing malicious actors to exploit this weakness to access sensitive data.

Affected Systems and Versions

Google Chrome versions earlier than 89.0.4389.72 are impacted by this security issue. Users with outdated versions are at risk of falling victim to potential data exploitation.

Exploitation Mechanism

By crafting a malicious HTML page, remote attackers can trick users into accessing the compromised content. Upon interaction with the crafted page, the attacker can exploit the vulnerability to retrieve sensitive information stored in the browser memory.

Mitigation and Prevention

To safeguard systems and data from CVE-2021-20657, users and administrators can follow specific measures for immediate protection and long-term security practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users should promptly update Google Chrome to version 89.0.4389.72 or later to mitigate the risk posed by this vulnerability. Additionally, refraining from interacting with unknown or suspicious websites can help prevent exploitation.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing proactive security measures like regularly updating software, deploying security patches, and educating users on safe browsing habits are essential for maintaining a secure digital environment.

Patching and Updates

Google has released patches addressing CVE-2021-20657 in Chrome version 89.0.4389.72 and subsequent updates. Users are strongly advised to install these patches to ensure their systems are protected against potential security threats.