CVE-2021-37986 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

Heap buffer overflow in Settings in Google Chrome prior to version 95.0.4638.54 allowed a remote attacker to engage with Dev Tools to potentially exploit heap corruption via a crafted HTML page.

Understanding CVE-2021-37986

This article discusses the impact, technical details, and mitigation strategies for CVE-2021-37986.

What is CVE-2021-37986?

CVE-2021-37986 is a heap buffer overflow vulnerability in Google Chrome that could be exploited by a remote attacker to corrupt heap memory via a malicious HTML page.

The Impact of CVE-2021-37986

The vulnerability could allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code, leading to potential system compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive information.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-37986

Here are the technical specifics of the vulnerability:

Vulnerability Description

The heap buffer overflow occurs in the Settings component of Google Chrome, specifically prior to version 95.0.4638.54.

Affected Systems and Versions

Google Chrome versions earlier than 95.0.4638.54 are affected by this vulnerability.

Exploitation Mechanism

A remote attacker can use the vulnerability to interact with Dev Tools and exploit heap corruption through a crafted HTML page.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2021-37986, follow these security measures:

Immediate Steps to Take

Update Google Chrome to version 95.0.4638.54 or later.
Avoid clicking on suspicious links or visiting untrusted websites.

Long-Term Security Practices

Keep your browser and all software up to date.
Enable automatic updates for timely security patches.
Implement network security measures to detect and block malicious traffic.

Patching and Updates

Regularly check for updates from Google Chrome and apply patches promptly to mitigate known vulnerabilities.