External risk intelligence

Google Chrome V8 Heap Corruption Vulnerability

CVE advisoryKnown Exploit

CVE-2021-38003

A vulnerability in Google Chrome's V8 engine allows remote attackers to potentially exploit heap corruption via a crafted HTML page, posing a risk to system integrity and data. Organizations should identify affected systems and apply vendor security updates.

1Halo Surface Signal

Google Chrome

before 95.0.4638.693410.011.0

External exposure likelihood

Halo Surface Signal score for CVE-2021-38003

This vulnerability exists within a web browser's engine. Web browsers are client-side software used by individuals to access the internet; they are not internet-facing services, gateways, or appliances that listen for incoming connections. The surface is local to the user's device and requires user interaction with malicious content to be triggered.

Horizon Alert

Summary of the vulnerability and why it matters

The V8 JavaScript engine in Google Chrome has an implementation flaw that could allow for heap corruption. This vulnerability can be triggered by a user visiting a specially crafted HTML page. Successful exploitation could lead to a compromise of the affected system.

  • Vulnerable component: V8 engine in Google Chrome
  • Core weakness: Improper handling of heap memory
  • Main business impact: System compromise and data integrity issues

Attack Path

How an attacker could exploit the issue

The V8 JavaScript engine in Google Chrome presents a heap corruption vulnerability. Attackers can leverage this by crafting a malicious web page. When a user visits this page, it can trigger the vulnerability, potentially allowing the attacker to gain control over the affected system or impact its operations.

  • Exposure via crafted HTML page.
  • Attacker initiates via user visiting page.
  • Triggering results in heap corruption.

Live Threat

Current exploitation, exposure, and threat context

A vulnerability in the V8 engine within Google Chrome could allow attackers to exploit heap corruption through a crafted HTML page. This type of exploit could lead to significant data compromise and system disruption. Given the nature of the vulnerability, it is considered a serious threat that requires prompt attention to mitigate potential business risks.

  • Likely attacker skill level: Low
  • Required access or conditions: User interaction with malicious content
  • Business risk or urgency: High

Priority actions

Operational Fix

Recommended remediation, mitigation, and detection steps

This vulnerability in the V8 engine within Google Chrome could allow an attacker to cause heap corruption through a crafted HTML page. Organizations should prioritize identifying systems that use affected versions of Chrome. The primary mitigation involves applying vendor-supplied security updates to eliminate the risk.

  • Identify affected Chrome assets.
  • Reduce exposure or isolate risk.
  • Apply, verify, and monitor fixes.

Frequently asked questions

What is the V8 engine and its role in Google Chrome?

The V8 engine is the core component within Google Chrome that processes and executes JavaScript code. It enables dynamic and interactive website features like animations and complex web applications.

What type of vulnerability is CVE-2021-38003 in the V8 engine?

CVE-2021-38003 is an 'inappropriate implementation' vulnerability in Google Chrome's V8 engine, specifically a heap corruption weakness (CWE-755). This flaw means the engine incorrectly manages memory in the heap, a region for dynamic data storage, which could be exploited.

How can a threat actor trigger the heap corruption vulnerability in Chrome's V8 engine?

An attacker can trigger this vulnerability by presenting a user with a specially crafted HTML page. The user's interaction with this malicious page can initiate the heap corruption in the V8 engine.

What is the significance of CVE-2021-38003 concerning the Halo Surface Signal?

The Halo Surface Signal indicates that this vulnerability is 'very unlikely' to be exploited by internet-facing services. It exists within a client-side web browser engine, requiring user interaction with malicious content on their device.

What actions should be taken to address the V8 engine vulnerability in Google Chrome?

To address this vulnerability, organizations should identify all systems using affected versions of Google Chrome. The primary mitigation is to apply security updates provided by the vendor to eliminate the risk of exploitation.

References