CVE-2021-30521 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

A heap buffer overflow vulnerability in Autofill in Google Chrome on Android prior to version 91.0.4472.77 has been identified. This flaw could allow a remote attacker to execute out-of-bounds memory access by utilizing a specifically crafted HTML page.

Understanding CVE-2021-30521

This section delves into the details of CVE-2021-30521, shedding light on the impact, technical aspects, and mitigation strategies.

What is CVE-2021-30521?

The CVE-2021-30521 pertains to a heap buffer overflow vulnerability present in Google Chrome's Autofill feature on Android devices, specifically impacting versions before 91.0.4472.77. This flaw enables a malicious actor to trigger out-of-bounds memory access through a maliciously created HTML page.

The Impact of CVE-2021-30521

The heap buffer overflow issue in Autofill in Google Chrome could be exploited remotely by an attacker to perform unauthorized memory access, potentially leading to the execution of arbitrary code or a denial of service (DoS) attack on the targeted device.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-30521

In this section, we dive deeper into the technical aspects of CVE-2021-30521, exploring the vulnerability description, affected systems, versions, and exploitation mechanisms.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises due to a heap buffer overflow in the Autofill feature of Google Chrome on Android devices, allowing threat actors to manipulate memory beyond the allocated bounds, potentially leading to a critical security compromise.

Affected Systems and Versions

Google Chrome on Android devices with versions earlier than 91.0.4472.77 is impacted by this vulnerability. Users with outdated Chrome installations are at risk of falling prey to potential exploitation of this security flaw.

Exploitation Mechanism

By leveraging a specially crafted HTML page, remote attackers can trigger the heap buffer overflow in Autofill within Google Chrome, enabling them to tamper with memory locations and execute malicious activities on the affected device.

Mitigation and Prevention

In this section, we discuss the necessary steps to mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2021-30521, emphasizing immediate actions and long-term security practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users are advised to update Google Chrome on their Android devices to version 91.0.4472.77 or later to eliminate the vulnerability. Furthermore, exercising caution while browsing and avoiding untrusted websites can reduce the likelihood of exploitation.

Long-Term Security Practices

To enhance overall security posture, users should maintain regular software updates, employ reputable security solutions, and cultivate a security-conscious mindset while interacting with online content.

Patching and Updates

Google has released patches addressing the CVE-2021-30521 vulnerability in subsequent Chrome versions. Users are encouraged to promptly apply these updates to safeguard their devices against potential exploitation.