Google Chrome Could Allow for Arbitrary Code Execution

Fortify Security Team
Oct 1, 2021

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.

THREAT INTELLIGENCE: Google reports the exploits for CVE-2021-37975 and CVE-2021-37976 exist in the wild.

SYSTEMS AFFECTED:

  • Google Chrome versions prior to 94.0.4606.71

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

TECHNICAL SUMMARY:

Multiple vulnerabilities have been discovered in Google Chrome, the most severe of which could allow for arbitrary code execution. Details of the vulnerabilities are as follows:

  • A use after free vulnerability in Safe Browsing. (CVE-2021-37974)
  • A use after free vulnerability in V8. (CVE-2021-37975)
  • An information leak vulnerability in core. (CVE-2021-37976)

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.

RECOMMENDATIONS:

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 un-trusted websites or follow links provided by unknown or un-trusted sources.
  • Inform and educate users regarding the threats posed by hypertext links contained in emails or attachments especially from un-trusted sources.
  • Apply the Principle of Least Privilege to all systems and services.

REFERENCES:
Google:
https://chromereleases.googleblog.com/2021/09/stable-channel-update-for-desktop_30.html

CVE:
https://cve.mitre.org/cgi-bin/cvename.cgi?name=CVE-2021-37974

https://cve.mitre.org/cgi-bin/cvename.cgi?name=CVE-2021-37975
https://cve.mitre.org/cgi-bin/cvename.cgi?name=CVE-2021-37976

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