External risk intelligence

Google Chrome V8 Use-After-Free Vulnerability

CVE advisoryKnown Exploit

CVE-2021-4102

A vulnerability in Google Chrome's V8 engine can allow attackers to exploit heap corruption via a crafted HTML page. This could impact system integrity and availability, posing a risk to organizations. The issue is listed in the known exploited vulnerabilities catalog.

4Halo Surface Signal

Use After Free

Google Chrome

before 96.0.4664.110

External exposure likelihood

Halo Surface Signal score for CVE-2021-4102

The vulnerability exists in the V8 engine within web browsers like Google Chrome. While it requires user interaction to visit a crafted web page, browsers are ubiquitous, internet-facing applications used daily to access public web content, making the attack surface commonly exposed in real-world deployments.

Horizon Alert

Summary of the vulnerability and why it matters

A vulnerability in the V8 engine, a component of Google Chrome, could allow for exploitation through a specially crafted HTML page. This flaw can lead to heap corruption, potentially impacting the integrity and availability of systems that utilize this browser component. The risk to organizations lies in the potential for attackers to leverage this weakness to compromise affected systems and data.

  • Vulnerable component: Google Chrome's V8 engine
  • Core weakness: Use-after-free flaw
  • Main business impact: Heap corruption, system compromise

Attack Path

How an attacker could exploit the issue

A remote attacker can potentially compromise systems through a crafted HTML page. This exploit targets a use-after-free vulnerability within the V8 engine, a component of Google Chrome. Successful exploitation could lead to heap corruption, impacting the integrity and availability of affected systems. The vulnerability requires user interaction via a web page, which is a common vector for accessing public content through browsers.

  • Exposure via web page visit.
  • Attacker crafts malicious HTML.
  • Heap corruption and system impact.

Live Threat

Current exploitation, exposure, and threat context

A vulnerability within the V8 engine in Google Chrome presents a significant risk. Attackers can potentially exploit heap corruption by directing users to a malicious HTML page. This could lead to compromise of systems handling sensitive data.

  • Attackers need low skill.
  • Requires user to visit a web page.
  • High risk to affected organizations.

Priority actions

Operational Fix

Recommended remediation, mitigation, and detection steps

An organization should address this vulnerability to mitigate potential risks to its systems and data. The vulnerability could allow remote attackers to exploit heap corruption through a crafted HTML page. This could lead to significant impacts on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. The known exploited vulnerabilities catalog lists this CVE, indicating active exploitation.

  • Identify all systems using the affected product.
  • Restrict access to external websites.
  • Apply vendor updates, verify fixes, and monitor activity.

Frequently asked questions

What is the V8 engine in Google Chrome and how does it relate to web browsers?

The V8 engine is the JavaScript execution engine used in Google Chrome and other Chromium-based browsers. It is crucial for enabling interactive and dynamic web page functionality.

What type of weakness is CVE-2021-4102, and what does it mean?

CVE-2021-4102 is a 'use-after-free' vulnerability. This occurs when software attempts to access memory after it has been deallocated, which can lead to unpredictable behavior and security risks like heap corruption.

How can an attacker trigger the CVE-2021-4102 vulnerability, and what is the scope of impact?

An attacker can trigger this vulnerability by directing a user to a specially crafted HTML page. This exploit targets the V8 engine within browsers like Google Chrome, potentially leading to heap corruption.

What is the relevance of CVE-2021-4102, especially concerning the Halo Surface Signal?

CVE-2021-4102 is relevant due to its location in the V8 engine used by common web browsers. The Halo Surface Signal indicates a 'Likely' risk because browsers are frequently exposed internet-facing applications, making them a common target for exploitation via crafted web content.

What practical steps should an organization take to address the CVE-2021-4102 vulnerability?

Organizations should identify all systems using the affected Google Chrome versions, restrict access to external websites where possible, and promptly apply vendor-provided updates. Verifying that fixes are successful and monitoring system activity are also critical steps to mitigate risks.

References