CVE-2021-37972 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis

An out-of-bounds read vulnerability in Google Chrome prior to version 94.0.4606.54 could allow a remote attacker to exploit heap corruption via a crafted HTML page.

Understanding CVE-2021-37972

This section provides insights into the impact and technical details of the CVE-2021-37972 vulnerability.

What is CVE-2021-37972?

The CVE-2021-37972 vulnerability refers to an out-of-bounds read issue in libjpeg-turbo within Google Chrome versions before 94.0.4606.54. This flaw could be exploited by a remote attacker through a malicious HTML page, potentially leading to heap corruption.

The Impact of CVE-2021-37972

The impact of this vulnerability is severe as it could allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code or crash the application. By exploiting heap corruption, sensitive data could be exposed, and the system integrity may be compromised.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-37972

Let's delve deeper into the technical aspects of the CVE-2021-37972 vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises from an out-of-bounds read issue in libjpeg-turbo, enabling a remote attacker to trigger heap corruption using a specially crafted HTML page.

Affected Systems and Versions

Google Chrome versions earlier than 94.0.4606.54 are vulnerable to this exploit. Users with outdated installations are at risk of falling prey to potential attacks leveraging this security flaw.

Exploitation Mechanism

Through a malicious HTML page, an attacker can manipulate the libjpeg-turbo component in Chrome to read data beyond the bounds of allocated memory, leading to heap corruption.

Mitigation and Prevention

Here are some crucial steps to mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2021-37972 and prevent potential security breaches.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update Google Chrome to version 94.0.4606.54 or later to patch the vulnerability and protect against exploitation.
Avoid clicking on suspicious links or visiting untrusted websites to minimize the risk of encountering malicious HTML pages.

Long-Term Security Practices

Enable automatic updates for Google Chrome to ensure timely installation of security patches.
Educate users about safe browsing practices and the importance of keeping software up to date to prevent security incidents.

Patching and Updates

Regularly check for updates from Google Chrome and apply them promptly to stay protected from known vulnerabilities.