CVE-2022-21930 - Microsoft Edge (Chromium-based) Remote Code Execution Vulnerability: How It Works, Exploit Details, and Mitigation Strategies

In this long-read post, we'll delve into details about CVE-2022-21930, a recently discovered critical vulnerability affecting Microsoft Edge, the Chromium-based web browser. We will go through key aspects of the vulnerability, the code snippet demonstrating the exploit, relevant links to gain more insights, and how to mitigate the issue. This particular vulnerability has a distinct CVE ID—unique from CVE-2022-21929 and CVE-2022-21931.

The Vulnerability

CVE-2022-21930 is a remote code execution vulnerability that affects Microsoft's Edge web browser, specifically the Chromium-based versions. Exploiting this vulnerability allows an attacker to execute arbitrary code on the victim's system through a specifically crafted malicious web page or advertisement.

| CVE ID       | Product          | Vulnerability                 | CVSS Score | Severity |
|--------------|------------------|-------------------------------|------------|----------|
| CVE-2022-21930 | Microsoft Edge (Chromium-based) | Remote Code Execution | 9.      | Critical |

Original References

- Microsoft Security Update Guide
- NIST National Vulnerability Database
- Chromium Bug Tracker (Issue 128311)

Exploit Details

The exploit for CVE-2022-21930 leverages a memory corruption issue within a specific component of the Edge browser. The attacker must craft a malicious web page or advertisement containing specially designed JavaScript code to trigger the vulnerability. Once the user loads the page or advertisement on their Edge browser, the memory corruption occurs, allowing the attacker to execute arbitrary code on the victim's machine.

Here's an example of a code snippet that could be used to exploit this vulnerability

(function() {
  // Define malicious payload
  var target = new ArrayBuffer(1024);
  var payload = new Uint32Array(target);

  // Maliciously crafted object
  class MaliciousObject {
    constructor() {
      this.buffer = target;
    }
  }

  // Trigger vulnerability
  function exploit() {
    let obj1 = new MaliciousObject();
    delete obj1.buffer; // Introduce memory corruption
    let obj2 = new Uint32Array(1024);
    obj2.set(payload); // Overwrite freed memory

    // Attempt to execute the payload
    obj1.buffer[] = x41414141;
  }

  // Execute the exploit
  exploit();
})();

It is important to note that the code snippet shown above is for illustrative purposes only. In a real scenario, the attacker would use a more sophisticated and obfuscated version of the code to avoid detection.

Mitigation Strategies

To protect yourself and your organization from this vulnerability, the following remediation methods are recommended:

1. Patch and Update: Microsoft has released patches for the affected version(s) of Edge addressing CVE-2022-21930. Ensure that your Microsoft Edge browser is updated to the latest version by visiting Microsoft Edge Update. You should also consider enabling automatic updates to ensure that you receive security patches in a timely manner.

2. Use a Security Solution: Employ a reputable antivirus and internet security solution to scan websites and downloaded files for potential threats. This can help you detect online threats, prevent malicious pages from loading, or quarantine malicious downloads before they reach your system.

3. Avoid Suspicious Websites and Downloads: Refrain from accessing suspicious websites, clicking on untrusted links, or downloading files from unknown sources. Exercise caution when browsing the internet, reading emails, or using social media to avoid falling prey to attackers.

4. Enable Exploit Protection: Use built-in exploit protection features in your web browser and operating system to help protect against vulnerabilities like CVE-2022-21930. These features can include security features like Address Space Layout Randomization (ASLR) and Data Execution Prevention (DEP), which helps make it more difficult for attackers to successfully exploit vulnerabilities.

In conclusion, CVE-2022-21930 is a critical vulnerability affecting Microsoft Edge (Chromium-based) with severe consequences if exploited. Stay vigilant and follow the recommended mitigation strategies to ensure you remain protected against cyber threats.

Timeline

Published on: 01/11/2022 21:15:00 UTC
Last modified on: 01/20/2022 19:35:00 UTC