CVE-2021-30551 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

Type confusion in V8 in Google Chrome prior to version 91.0.4472.101 allowed a remote attacker to potentially exploit heap corruption via a crafted HTML page.

Understanding CVE-2021-30551

This section provides insights into the impact, technical details, and mitigation strategies related to CVE-2021-30551.

What is CVE-2021-30551?

CVE-2021-30551 refers to a type confusion vulnerability in V8 in Google Chrome that existed before version 91.0.4472.101. This flaw could be exploited by a remote attacker through a specially crafted HTML page to potentially corrupt the heap.

The Impact of CVE-2021-30551

The impact of this vulnerability lies in its ability to allow malicious actors to conduct heap corruption attacks remotely. Successful exploitation could lead to severe consequences, including unauthorized access and data manipulation.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-30551

This section delves into the specifics of the vulnerability, affected systems, and the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises from a type confusion issue within the V8 engine of Google Chrome, affecting versions preceding 91.0.4472.101. It opens the door for remote attackers to trigger heap corruption by leveraging a specially crafted HTML page.

Affected Systems and Versions

Google Chrome versions below 91.0.4472.101 are impacted by CVE-2021-30551. Users using these vulnerable versions are at risk of falling victim to heap corruption exploitation.

Exploitation Mechanism

Exploiting this vulnerability involves creating a malicious HTML page, crafted to trigger a type confusion in the V8 engine. By enticing a user to visit the page, an attacker could remotely corrupt the heap and execute arbitrary code.

Mitigation and Prevention

In response to CVE-2021-30551, it is crucial to implement immediate actions and adopt long-term security practices to enhance protection against similar threats.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users and administrators are advised to update Google Chrome to version 91.0.4472.101 or later to mitigate the risk associated with this vulnerability. Additionally, exercise caution while browsing untrusted websites to prevent potential exploitation.

Long-Term Security Practices

To fortify overall security posture, organizations should prioritize regular software updates, employ security tools like antivirus programs, and provide cybersecurity awareness training to users to recognize and report suspicious activities.

Patching and Updates

Google has released security patches addressing CVE-2021-30551 in version 91.0.4472.101. It is recommended to promptly apply these patches to safeguard systems from potential threats.