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MULTIPLE VULNERABILITIES IN GOOGLE CHROME COULD ALLOW FOR ARBITRARY CODE EXECUTION

A cybersecurity advisory was issued yesterday, March 31, 2021, regarding multiple vulnerabilities in Google Chrome. The most severe vulnerability could allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code, which could potentially lead to a breach.

What It Is:

Multiple vulnerabilities have been discovered in Google Chrome, the most severe of which could allow for arbitrary code execution. Google Chrome is a web browser used to access the Internet.

Successful exploitation of the most severe of these vulnerabilities could allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code in the context of the browser. Depending on the privileges associated with the application, an attacker could view, change, or delete data. If this application has been configured to have fewer user rights on the system, exploitation of the most severe of these vulnerabilities could have less impact than if it was configured with administrative rights.

Read the original Google Chrome Release Update.

Threat Intelligence:

There are currently reports of this vulnerability being exploited in the wild.

Systems Affected:

  • Google Chrome versions prior to 89.0.4389.114

Risk:

Government:

  • Large and medium government entities: High
  • Small government entities: Medium

Businesses:

  • Large and medium business entities: High
  • Small business entities: Medium

Home users: Low

What It Means:

If you and/or your business utilize the Google Chrome versions mentioned above, you will need to apply appropriate updates provided by Google to vulnerable systems immediately following proper testing.

Technical Summary:

Multiple vulnerabilities have been discovered in Google Chrome, the most severe of which could allow for arbitrary code execution. These vulnerabilities can be exploited if a user visits, or is redirected to, a specially crafted web page. Details of the vulnerabilities are as follows:
  • A use-after-free vulnerability that exists in the 'screen capture' component. (CVE-2021-21194)
  • A use-after-free vulnerability that exists in the 'V8' component. (CVE-2021-21195)
  • Heap buffer overflow in TabStrip. (CVE-2021-21196, CVE-2021-21197)
  • Out of bounds read in IPC. (CVE-2021-21198)
  • Use after free in Aura (CVE-2021-21199)
Successful exploitation of the most severe of these vulnerabilities could allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code in the context of the browser. Depending on the privileges associated with the application, an attacker could view, change, or delete data. If this application has been configured to have fewer user rights on the system, exploitation of the most severe of these vulnerabilities could have less impact than if it was configured with administrative rights.

What To Do:

We recommend the following actions be taken:
  • Apply the stable channel update provided by Google to vulnerable systems, immediately after appropriate testing.
  • Run all software as a non-privileged user (one without administrative privileges) to diminish the effects of a successful attack.
  • Remind users not to visit untrusted websites or follow links provided by unknown or untrusted sources.
  • Inform and educate users regarding the threats posed by hypertext links contained in emails or attachments especially from untrusted sources.
  • Apply the Principle of Least Privilege to all systems and services.

Negative Consequences of Lost or Stolen Data:

The loss or theft of proprietary data can have severe impacts, particularly if the compromise becomes public and sensitive information is exposed. Possible impacts include:
  • Temporary or permanent loss of sensitive or proprietary information.
  • Disruption to regular operations.
  • Financial losses incurred to restore systems and files.
  • Potential harm to an organization’s reputation.
Should your agency or business need assistance with issues arising from vulnerabilities in Google Chrome including updates and/or patches, Dox can help. Please contact Dox if there is anything we can do to assist in securing your agency, business, or organization.

Thank you for your time, and stay safe online.
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