CVE-2021-21171 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

A detailed analysis of the CVE-2021-21171 vulnerability in Google Chrome affecting versions prior to 89.0.4389.72.

Understanding CVE-2021-21171

This section dives into the impact and technical details of the security vulnerability.

What is CVE-2021-21171?

The vulnerability in Google Chrome for Android prior to 89.0.4389.72 allowed a remote attacker to manipulate the contents of the URL bar via a malicious HTML page.

The Impact of CVE-2021-21171

The incorrect security UI in TabStrip and Navigation in Google Chrome could be exploited by attackers to spoof the content displayed in the Omnibox, potentially leading to phishing attacks.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-21171

Explore the specifics of the vulnerability in this section.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises from the inadequate security checks in the TabStrip and Navigation components, enabling attackers to deceive users into interacting with false information.

Affected Systems and Versions

Google Chrome versions below 89.0.4389.72 on Android are vulnerable to exploitation.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can craft a malicious HTML page to deceive users into believing they are interacting with legitimate sites, facilitating phishing attempts.

Mitigation and Prevention

Discover the measures to mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2021-21171.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users should update their Google Chrome browser to version 89.0.4389.72 or later to patch the vulnerability and avoid falling victim to potential attacks.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update browsers and remain cautious while interacting with URLs and websites to minimize the risk of falling prey to similar vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Google has released a stable channel update addressing the flaw, emphasizing the importance of promptly applying patches to enhance security.