MULTIPLE VULNERABILITIES IN GOOGLE CHROME IDENTIFIED

A cybersecurity alert was issued yesterday, May 11, 2021, regarding multiple vulnerabilities in Google Chrome. The vulnerabilities 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 Stable Channel Update for Desktop.

Threat Intelligence:

There are currently no reports of these vulnerabilities being exploited in the wild.

Systems Affected:

• Google Chrome versions prior to 90.0.4430.212

Risk:

Government:

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

Businesses:

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

Home users: Low

What It Means:

If you and/or your business utilize the Google Chrome versions mentioned above, you will need to apply the stable channel update provided by Google to vulnerable systems immediately following appropriate 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:

• An incorrect security UI vulnerability exists in the ‘Webb App Installs’ component. (CVE-2021-30506)
• An inappropriate implementation vulnerability exists in the ‘Offline’ component. (CVE-2021-30507)
• A heap buffer overflow vulnerability exists in the ‘Media Feeds’ component. (CVE-2021-30508)
• An out of bounds write vulnerability exists in the ‘Tab Strip’ component. (CVE-2021-30509)
• A race vulnerability exists in the ‘Aura’ component. (CVE-2021-30510)
• An out of bounds read vulnerability exists in the ‘Tab Groups’ component. (CVE-2021-30511)
• A use-after-free vulnerability exists in the ‘Notifications’ component. (CVE-2021-30512)
• A type confusion vulnerability exists in the ‘V8’ component. (CVE-2021-30513)
• A use-after-free vulnerability exists in the ‘Autofill’ component. (CVE-2021-30514)
• A use-after-free vulnerability exists in the ‘File API component’. (CVE-2021-30515)
• A heap buffer overflow vulnerability exists in the ‘History’ component. (CVE-2021-30516)
• A type confusion vulnerability exists in the ‘V8’ component. (CVE-2021-30517)
• A heap buffer overflow vulnerability exists in the ‘Reader Mode’ component. (CVE-2021-30518)
• A use-after-free vulnerability exists in the ‘Payments’ component. (CVE-2021-30519)
• A use-after-free vulnerability exists in the ‘Tab Strip’ component. (CVE-2021-30520)

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.