Learn about CVE-2021-4065, a critical 'Use after free' vulnerability in Google Chrome versions prior to 96.0.4664.93, allowing remote attackers to exploit heap corruption.
A detailed overview of CVE-2021-4065, a vulnerability found in Google Chrome prior to version 96.0.4664.93 that could allow remote attackers to exploit heap corruption through a crafted HTML page.
Understanding CVE-2021-4065
This section delves into the impact, technical details, and mitigation strategies related to CVE-2021-4065.
What is CVE-2021-4065?
CVE-2021-4065 is a 'Use after free' vulnerability discovered in autofill functionality in Google Chrome versions before 96.0.4664.93. This weakness could enable a remote attacker to manipulate memory in a way that could lead to heap corruption.
The Impact of CVE-2021-4065
The vulnerability could potentially allow a malicious actor to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service by exploiting the heap corruption. This could compromise the security and stability of affected systems.
Technical Details of CVE-2021-4065
This section provides a deeper insight into the vulnerability, including its description, affected systems, versions, and exploitation mechanism.
Vulnerability Description
CVE-2021-4065 pertains to a 'Use after free' issue in the autofill feature of Google Chrome. This flaw could be leveraged by an attacker to trigger heap corruption by directing a victim to a specially crafted HTML page.
Affected Systems and Versions
Google Chrome versions prior to 96.0.4664.93 are affected by this vulnerability. Users of these versions are at risk of exploitation if exposed to malicious HTML pages.
Exploitation Mechanism
By enticing a user to visit a maliciously created HTML page, an attacker could trigger the use-after-free condition in Chrome's autofill function. This could then be exploited to corrupt the memory heap.
Mitigation and Prevention
In this section, we outline immediate and long-term steps to mitigate the risks posed by CVE-2021-4065.
Immediate Steps to Take
Users should update their Google Chrome browser to version 96.0.4664.93 or above to patch the vulnerability. Avoid clicking on suspicious links or visiting untrusted websites to minimize exposure to potential attacks.
Long-Term Security Practices
Practicing good cybersecurity hygiene, such as keeping software up to date, using security tools, and staying informed about potential threats, can enhance overall protection against similar vulnerabilities.
Patching and Updates
Regularly check for updates to ensure that your browser and other software are equipped with the latest security patches. Timely updates play a crucial role in safeguarding systems against known vulnerabilities.