CVE-2021-21144 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

Heap buffer overflow in Tab Groups in Google Chrome prior to 88.0.4324.146 allowed an attacker who convinced a user to install a malicious extension to potentially exploit heap corruption via a crafted Chrome Extension.

Understanding CVE-2021-21144

This section will provide insight into the nature and impact of the CVE-2021-21144 vulnerability.

What is CVE-2021-21144?

CVE-2021-21144 is a heap buffer overflow vulnerability identified in Tab Groups in Google Chrome before version 88.0.4324.146. This flaw could be exploited by a threat actor to trigger heap corruption by persuading a user to install a malicious extension.

The Impact of CVE-2021-21144

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

Technical Details of CVE-2021-21144

In this section, we will delve deeper into the technical aspects of the CVE-2021-21144 vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability stems from a heap buffer overflow in Tab Groups feature, enabling an attacker to manipulate memory allocation and potentially execute malicious actions.

Affected Systems and Versions

Google Chrome versions prior to 88.0.4324.146 are susceptible to this heap buffer overflow vulnerability in the Tab Groups functionality.

Exploitation Mechanism

To exploit CVE-2021-21144, an attacker needs to convince a user to install a specially crafted Chrome Extension that triggers the heap corruption through the Tab Groups feature.

Mitigation and Prevention

This section outlines the measures that can be taken to mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2021-21144.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users are advised to update Google Chrome to version 88.0.4324.146 or above to eliminate the vulnerability and enhance system security.

Long-Term Security Practices

Practicing good security hygiene, such as avoiding suspicious extensions and keeping software up to date, can help prevent similar vulnerabilities in the future.

Patching and Updates

Regularly applying security patches and updates provided by Google Chrome is crucial to address known vulnerabilities and maintain strong cybersecurity posture.