CVE-2021-38003 Google Chromium V8: memory-safety flaw
In plain words: The program mishandles the memory it uses to keep track of data. A specially made input can scramble that memory. Usually lets an attacker crash the program or run their own code with its permissions.
Confirmed exploited by CISA on · US federal patch deadline Nov 17, 2021
What to do
- Install Google's security update for Chromium V8. If no update exists, follow the vendor's workaround or stop using the product until one ships.
- Let the browser auto-update and relaunch it when it asks — the fix is not active until you do.
- Keep extensions to a minimum and remove ones you do not recognise.
- Stop using Internet Explorer and any browser that no longer gets updates.
Who is affected
Could reach you. This one is aimed at devices or apps of the kind people own.
What's at risk: A malicious or hacked website can be enough. Browser bugs are often the first step in a longer attack on the whole computer or phone.
The details
- Official name
- Google Chromium V8 Memory Corruption Vulnerability
- Product
- Google Chromium V8
- CISA description
- Google Chromium V8 Engine has a bug in JSON.stringify, where the internal TheHole value can leak to script code, causing memory corruption. This vulnerability could affect multiple web browsers that utilize Chromium, including, but not limited to, Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, and Opera.
- Type of flaw
- Memory-safety flaw (CWE-122, CWE-755)
- Confirmed exploited
- Nov 3, 2021
- US federal patch deadline
- Nov 17, 2021
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Answering about CVE-2021-38003 ·
Questions about CVE-2021-38003
Is CVE-2021-38003 being exploited?
Yes. CISA added CVE-2021-38003 to its Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog on Nov 3, 2021, which means there is reliable evidence of real-world attacks.
How do I fix CVE-2021-38003?
Install Google's security update for Chromium V8. If no update exists, follow the vendor's workaround or stop using the product until one ships. Let the browser auto-update and relaunch it when it asks — the fix is not active until you do.
Am I affected by CVE-2021-38003?
Only if you use Google Chromium V8. This one is aimed at devices or apps of the kind people own.