External risk intelligence

Google Chrome V8 Heap Corruption Vulnerability.

CVE advisoryKnown Exploit

CVE-2021-30632

A Google Chrome V8 engine vulnerability allows attackers to corrupt memory via crafted web pages, potentially leading to code execution and system compromise. This impacts organizations, employees, and data.

4Halo Surface Signal

Out-of-bounds Write

Google Chrome

before 93.0.4577.823335

External exposure likelihood

Halo Surface Signal score for CVE-2021-30632

The vulnerability exists in the V8 engine used by web browsers. While exploitation requires user interaction to visit a crafted HTML page, web browsers are internet-facing applications used daily by end users to access public-internet content, making the vulnerable surface reachable via standard web browsing activities.

Horizon Alert

Summary of the vulnerability and why it matters

The V8 JavaScript engine within Google Chrome contains a weakness that allows for an out-of-bounds write. This type of flaw can lead to heap corruption, potentially enabling attackers to execute arbitrary code. The impact could include the compromise of systems and data through a crafted webpage.

  • V8 JavaScript engine
  • Out-of-bounds write
  • System and data compromise

Attack Path

How an attacker could exploit the issue

An out-of-bounds write vulnerability in the V8 JavaScript engine within Google Chrome could allow an attacker to corrupt memory by directing users to a specially crafted HTML page. Successful exploitation could lead to the execution of arbitrary code, potentially impacting system integrity and data confidentiality. This vulnerability affects organizations using affected versions of Google Chrome, their employees who browse the web, and the systems processing user activity.

  • Exposure condition: Network access to a crafted page.
  • Attacker starting point: No authentication required.
  • Trigger and result: Malicious page triggers memory corruption.

Live Threat

Current exploitation, exposure, and threat context

This vulnerability could allow attackers to corrupt data or gain unauthorized access by tricking users into visiting a malicious webpage. The vulnerability is present in Google Chrome's V8 JavaScript engine. Successful exploitation can lead to heap corruption, potentially enabling remote code execution. This makes the threat level high and warrants urgent attention.

  • Likely attacker skill level: Low to medium.
  • Required access or conditions: User must visit a malicious webpage.
  • Business risk or urgency: High, warrants immediate action.

Priority actions

Operational Fix

Recommended remediation, mitigation, and detection steps

This vulnerability within the V8 engine of Google Chrome presents a significant risk. An attacker could exploit this by directing an organization's users to a specially crafted HTML page, potentially leading to heap corruption. This could allow for further compromise of systems and data. Given the widespread use of Chrome and its internet-facing nature, proactive measures are essential to mitigate potential business risk.

  • Identify all Chrome instances.
  • Restrict access to untrusted websites.
  • Update Chrome, verify, and monitor.

Frequently asked questions

What is the V8 JavaScript engine in Google Chrome?

The V8 JavaScript engine is a core component of Google Chrome responsible for executing JavaScript code, which powers many interactive features on websites. It's essential for the browser's functionality in rendering and managing web content.

What kind of weakness does CVE-2021-30632 describe?

CVE-2021-30632 describes an 'out-of-bounds write' weakness. This means a program tried to write data beyond the allocated memory buffer, potentially corrupting adjacent memory and leading to unpredictable behavior or security flaws like heap corruption.

How could an attacker trigger the CVE-2021-30632 vulnerability?

An attacker could trigger this vulnerability by tricking a user into visiting a specially crafted HTML page. The vulnerability is not triggered by simply browsing the web; it requires specific malicious content to be loaded within the browser.

Who should be concerned about this Chrome vulnerability?

Organizations using affected versions of Google Chrome should be concerned, especially if their users access internet-facing content. Since web browsers are frequently used to interact with the public internet, the potential surface for this vulnerability is considered likely to be exposed.

What is the first step to address this vulnerability in Chrome?

The primary first step is to update all instances of Google Chrome to a version later than 93.0.4577.82. Verifying these updates have been applied and monitoring for any unusual activity are also important initial actions.

References