CVE-2021-4102:Use-after-free vulnerability in V8 JavaScript engine in Google Chrome

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Description Preview

CVE-2021-4102 is a use-after-free vulnerability in the V8 JavaScript engine of Google Chrome. This vulnerability allowed remote attackers to potentially exploit heap corruption via specially crafted HTML pages. The issue affects Google Chrome versions prior to 96.0.4664.110. Successful exploitation could lead to arbitrary code execution within the context of the browser.

Overview

This vulnerability (CVE-2021-4102) is classified as CWE-416 (Use After Free), which occurs when a program continues to use memory after it has been freed. In this case, the vulnerability exists in the V8 JavaScript engine, which is Chrome's JavaScript and WebAssembly engine. When exploited, an attacker could craft a malicious HTML page that triggers the use-after-free condition, potentially leading to heap corruption. This could allow for arbitrary code execution within the browser sandbox, which might be combined with other vulnerabilities to achieve a complete system compromise. The vulnerability was addressed in Chrome version 96.0.4664.110.

Remediation

Users should update their Google Chrome browser to version 96.0.4664.110 or later. To check your current Chrome version:

  1. Open Chrome
  2. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner
  3. Go to Help > About Google Chrome
  4. Chrome will automatically check for updates and install them if available

System administrators should ensure that all Chrome installations in their environment are updated to the patched version. If automatic updates are disabled, manual updates should be performed as soon as possible.

For environments where immediate updates aren't possible, consider implementing network security controls to limit exposure to potentially malicious websites, or use alternative browsers until updates can be applied.

References

  1. Chrome Release Blog announcement: https://chromereleases.googleblog.com/2021/12/stable-channel-update-for-desktop_13.html
  2. Chrome Bug Tracker: https://crbug.com/1278387
  3. CWE-416 (Use After Free): https://cwe.mitre.org/data/definitions/416.html
  4. MITRE CVE Entry: https://cve.mitre.org/cgi-bin/cvename.cgi?name=CVE-2021-4102

Early Warning

Armis Early Warning customers received an advanced alert on this vulnerability.

Armis Alert Date
Dec 14, 2021
CISA KEV Date
Dec 15, 2021
1day early
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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. Public Administration
    Public Administration
  4. Educational Services
    Educational Services
  5. Finance and Insurance
    Finance and Insurance
  6. Transportation & Warehousing
    Transportation & Warehousing
  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. Accommodation & Food Services
    Accommodation & Food Services
  15. Construction
    Construction
  16. Mining
    Mining
  17. Real Estate Rental & Leasing
    Real Estate Rental & Leasing
  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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