CVE-2021-30574 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

Use after free in protocol handling in Google Chrome prior to 92.0.4515.107 allowed a remote attacker to potentially exploit heap corruption via a crafted HTML page.

Understanding CVE-2021-30574

This CVE refers to a use after free vulnerability in Google Chrome that could allow a remote attacker to trigger heap corruption.

What is CVE-2021-30574?

The CVE-2021-30574 vulnerability involves a use after free flaw in the protocol handling of Google Chrome. This vulnerability, found in versions prior to 92.0.4515.107, could be exploited by a remote attacker via a specially crafted HTML page.

The Impact of CVE-2021-30574

The impact of CVE-2021-30574 is significant as it could potentially lead to heap corruption, allowing an attacker to execute arbitrary code or crash the application.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-30574

The technical details of CVE-2021-30574 are as follows:

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability is classified as a use after free issue, indicating that the application mistakenly accesses memory that has already been freed, leading to potential exploitation.

Affected Systems and Versions

Google Chrome versions earlier than 92.0.4515.107 are affected by this vulnerability. Users with these versions are at risk of exploitation.

Exploitation Mechanism

Exploiting CVE-2021-30574 involves a remote attacker crafting a malicious HTML page to trigger the use after free condition, initiating heap corruption in the browser.

Mitigation and Prevention

To mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2021-30574, users and organizations can take the following steps:

Immediate Steps to Take

Update Google Chrome to version 92.0.4515.107 or higher to eliminate the vulnerability.
Avoid clicking on links from untrusted sources or visiting unfamiliar websites.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update your software and browser to the latest versions to patch known vulnerabilities.
Implement strong security measures such as network monitoring and endpoint protection.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security updates for Google Chrome and promptly apply patches released by the vendor to ensure your browser is protected against known vulnerabilities.