CVE-2021-37981 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

A detailed overview of CVE-2021-37981, a vulnerability in Google Chrome prior to version 95.0.4638.54 that could result in a remote attacker potentially escaping the sandbox.

Understanding CVE-2021-37981

This section will cover the impact, technical details, and mitigation strategies related to CVE-2021-37981.

What is CVE-2021-37981?

CVE-2021-37981 refers to a heap buffer overflow vulnerability in Skia within Google Chrome versions earlier than 95.0.4638.54. Exploitation of this vulnerability could allow a remote attacker, who has compromised the renderer process, to execute a sandbox escape by utilizing a specially crafted HTML page.

The Impact of CVE-2021-37981

The impact of this vulnerability is severe as it enables a remote attacker to potentially escape the sandbox within Google Chrome, leading to unauthorized access and execution of malicious code.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-37981

In this section, we will delve into the specific technical aspects of CVE-2021-37981.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises from a heap buffer overflow in the Skia component of Google Chrome. This overflow occurs in versions prior to 95.0.4638.54, allowing an attacker to exploit the renderer process.

Affected Systems and Versions

Google Chrome versions that are earlier than 95.0.4638.54 are affected by this vulnerability. Users with these versions are at risk of a potential sandbox escape attack.

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability can be exploited by a remote attacker who has already compromised the renderer process. By using a specially crafted HTML page, the attacker can trigger the heap buffer overflow and potentially escape the sandbox.

Mitigation and Prevention

This section will outline the steps users can take to mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2021-37981.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users are advised to update their Google Chrome browser to version 95.0.4638.54 or later to prevent exploitation of this vulnerability. Additionally, exercise caution when visiting unknown or untrusted websites to reduce the risk of encountering malicious HTML pages.

Long-Term Security Practices

Practicing good cybersecurity hygiene, such as avoiding clicking on suspicious links and regularly updating software, can help prevent similar vulnerabilities in the future.

Patching and Updates

Google has released patches addressing CVE-2021-37981 in later versions of Chrome. Users should promptly install these updates to secure their systems against potential threats.