CVE-2021-21224:Type confusion vulnerability in V8 JavaScript engine in Google Chrome prior to 90.0.4430.85 allows remote code execution.

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CVE-2021-21224 is a type confusion vulnerability discovered in the V8 JavaScript engine used by Google Chrome. This vulnerability allows a remote attacker to execute arbitrary code within the browser sandbox by exploiting type confusion issues in V8. The attacker can trigger this vulnerability through a specially crafted HTML page, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution. This vulnerability was actively exploited in the wild before it was patched in Chrome version 90.0.4430.85.

Overview

The vulnerability is classified as CWE-843 (Access of Resource Using Incompatible Type), specifically a type confusion issue in the V8 JavaScript engine. Type confusion vulnerabilities occur when a program accesses a resource using an incompatible type, which can lead to out-of-bounds memory access or other memory corruption issues. In this case, the vulnerability allows attackers to execute arbitrary code within the Chrome sandbox environment by crafting malicious HTML pages that trigger the type confusion condition. The vulnerability affects all Chrome versions prior to 90.0.4430.85 across multiple platforms including Windows, macOS, and Linux.

Remediation

To mitigate this vulnerability, users should update Google Chrome to version 90.0.4430.85 or later. The update can be applied by:

  1. Opening Chrome and clicking on the three dots in the upper right corner
  2. Selecting "Help" > "About Google Chrome"
  3. Chrome will automatically check for updates and install them if available
  4. Restart the browser after the update is installed

System administrators should ensure that all Chrome installations in their environment are updated to the patched version. For Fedora users, updates are available through the package manager as indicated in the referenced advisories. Debian users should apply the security update referenced in DSA-4906.

References

  1. Chrome Release Blog: https://chromereleases.googleblog.com/2021/04/stable-channel-update-for-desktop_20.html
  2. Chrome Bug Tracker: https://crbug.com/1195777
  3. Fedora Security Advisory: https://lists.fedoraproject.org/archives/list/package-announce@lists.fedoraproject.org/message/EAJ42L4JFPBJATCZ7MOZQTUDGV4OEHHG/
  4. Fedora Security Advisory: https://lists.fedoraproject.org/archives/list/package-announce@lists.fedoraproject.org/message/U3GZ42MYPGD35V652ZPVPYYS7A7LVXVY/
  5. Fedora Security Advisory: https://lists.fedoraproject.org/archives/list/package-announce@lists.fedoraproject.org/message/VUZBGKGVZADNA3I24NVG7HAYYUTOSN5A/
  6. Gentoo Security Advisory: https://security.gentoo.org/glsa/202104-08
  7. Debian Security Advisory: https://www.debian.org/security/2021/dsa-4906

Industry ExposureMost to least
This section illustrates the prevalence of a specific Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) across various industries based on customer reports. The ranking displays industries from the most to least affected by this particular vulnerability, offering valuable insight into where this CVE has been most frequently observed. This information can help organizations within these sectors prioritize their security efforts, understand their relative risk exposure compared to their peers, and focus remediation strategies where they are most needed. By understanding the industry-specific impact, organizations can make more informed decisions regarding patching, resource allocation, and overall risk management related to this CVE.

  1. Health Care & Social Assistance
    Health Care & Social Assistance
  2. Manufacturing
    Manufacturing
  3. Educational Services
    Educational Services
  4. Public Administration
    Public Administration
  5. Transportation & Warehousing
    Transportation & Warehousing
  6. Finance and Insurance
    Finance and Insurance
  7. Retail Trade
    Retail Trade
  8. Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services
    Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services
  9. Other Services (except Public Administration)
    Other Services (except Public Administration)
  10. Utilities
    Utilities
  11. Arts, Entertainment & Recreation
    Arts, Entertainment & Recreation
  12. Information
    Information
  13. Management of Companies & Enterprises
    Management of Companies & Enterprises
  14. Construction
    Construction
  15. Mining
    Mining
  16. Real Estate Rental & Leasing
    Real Estate Rental & Leasing
  17. Accommodation & Food Services
    Accommodation & Food Services
  18. Agriculture, Forestry Fishing & Hunting
    Agriculture, Forestry Fishing & Hunting
  19. Wholesale Trade
    Wholesale Trade
  20. Administrative, Support, Waste Management & Remediation Services
    Administrative, Support, Waste Management & Remediation Services

Focus on What Matters

  1. See Everything.
  2. Identify True Risk.
  3. Proactively Mitigate Threats.

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