CVE-2021-21156 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

A heap buffer overflow vulnerability in V8 in Google Chrome prior to 88.0.4324.182 could allow a remote attacker to exploit heap corruption through a malicious script.

Understanding CVE-2021-21156

This section will cover what CVE-2021-21156 is, its impact, technical details, and mitigation strategies.

What is CVE-2021-21156?

CVE-2021-21156 refers to a critical heap buffer overflow vulnerability found in the V8 component of Google Chrome before version 88.0.4324.182. This flaw could be exploited by a remote attacker to trigger heap corruption via a specially crafted script.

The Impact of CVE-2021-21156

The impact of this vulnerability is severe as it allows a remote attacker to potentially execute arbitrary code or crash the application, leading to denial of service (DoS) conditions.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-21156

Let's dive into the technical aspects of CVE-2021-21156 to understand its vulnerability description, affected systems, and the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises from a heap buffer overflow issue in the V8 component of Google Chrome, specifically impacting versions before 88.0.4324.182. This flaw can be exploited by an attacker to corrupt the heap memory.

Affected Systems and Versions

Google Chrome versions prior to 88.0.4324.182 are affected by this vulnerability. Users of these versions are at risk of exploitation if exposed to crafted malicious scripts.

Exploitation Mechanism

To exploit CVE-2021-21156, an attacker would need to entice a user to visit a specially crafted web page containing the malicious script. Upon execution, the script could trigger the heap buffer overflow, leading to potential code execution or application crashes.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting against CVE-2021-21156 involves taking immediate steps and adopting long-term security practices to safeguard systems and data.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users are advised to update their Google Chrome browsers to version 88.0.4324.182 or higher to mitigate the risk of exploitation. Additionally, exercise caution while browsing untrusted websites or clicking on suspicious links.

Long-Term Security Practices

In the long term, users should stay proactive in applying security updates promptly, using reputable security solutions, and maintaining cybersecurity awareness to prevent falling prey to potential threats.

Patching and Updates

Regularly check for security updates and patches released by Google Chrome and apply them as soon as they are available to ensure your browser remains protected against known vulnerabilities.