CVE-2021-38014 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

This article provides an overview of CVE-2021-38014, detailing the vulnerability found in Google Chrome prior to version 96.0.4664.45 and its potential impact on users.

Understanding CVE-2021-38014

CVE-2021-38014 is an out-of-bounds write vulnerability identified in Swiftshader in Google Chrome. It allows a remote attacker to potentially exploit heap corruption through a specifically crafted HTML page.

What is CVE-2021-38014?

The CVE-2021-38014 vulnerability in Google Chrome before version 96.0.4664.45 enables attackers to trigger heap corruption by leveraging the out-of-bounds write issue in Swiftshader.

The Impact of CVE-2021-38014

The impact of CVE-2021-38014 could result in a remote attacker executing arbitrary code or causing a denial of service (DoS) condition by exploiting the vulnerability using a malicious HTML page.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-38014

The technical details of CVE-2021-38014 include:

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability involves an out-of-bounds write issue in Swiftshader within Google Chrome versions preceding 96.0.4664.45, which may lead to heap corruption.

Affected Systems and Versions

The affected product is Google Chrome, and versions before 96.0.4664.45 are vulnerable to this exploit. The exact affected version type is unspecified.

Exploitation Mechanism

Remote attackers can exploit this vulnerability through a carefully crafted HTML page to trigger heap corruption and potentially execute malicious code.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2021-38014, consider the following mitigation strategies:

Immediate Steps to Take

Update Google Chrome to version 96.0.4664.45 or later to prevent exploitation of this vulnerability.
Avoid visiting untrusted websites or clicking on suspicious links to reduce the risk of exposure to malicious HTML pages.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update your browser and other software to the latest versions to patch security vulnerabilities.
Implement strong security practices, such as using ad blockers and security plugins, to enhance your browsing safety.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security advisories and updates from Google Chrome to apply patches promptly and protect your system from known vulnerabilities.