This Multi-State Information Sharing and Analysis Center (MS-ISAC) Advisory is being provided to assist individuals, agencies, and organizations in guarding against the persistent
malicious actions of cybercriminals.

Multiple vulnerabilities have been discovered in Google Chrome, the most severe of which could allow for arbitrary code execution. Successful exploitation of the most severe of these vulnerabilities could allow for arbitrary code execution in the context of the logged on user. Depending on the privileges associated with the user, an attacker could then install programs; view, change, or delete data; or create new accounts with full user rights. Users whose accounts are configured to have fewer user rights on the system could be less impacted than those who operate with administrative user rights.

Threat Intelligence
Google is aware that an exploit for CVE-2024-7971 exists in the wild.

Systems Affected

• Chrome prior to 128.0.6613.84/.85 for Windows and Mac
• Chrome prior to 128.0.6613.84 for Linux

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

Recommendations

• Apply appropriate updates provided by Google to vulnerable systems immediately after appropriate testing.
• Apply the Principle of Least Privilege to all systems and services. Run all software as a non-privileged user (one without administrative privileges) to diminish the effects of a successful attack.
• Restrict execution of code to a virtual environment on or in transit to an endpoint system.
• Use capabilities to detect and block conditions that may lead to or be indicative of a software exploit occurring.
• Restrict use of certain websites, block downloads/attachments, block JavaScript, restrict browser extensions, etc.
• Inform and educate users regarding the threats posed by hypertext links contained in emails or attachments especially from untrusted sources. Remind users not to visit untrusted websites or follow links provided by unknown or untrusted sources.

Reference
Google:
https://chromereleases.googleblog.com/2024/08/stable-channel-update-for-desktop_21.html

Reporting
The NJCCIC encourages recipients who discover signs of malicious cyber activity to contact the NJCCIC via the cyber incident report form at www.cyber.nj.gov/report.

Please do not hesitate to contact us here at cybercc.org with any questions.
Also, for more background on recent cybersecurity efforts, please visit cyber.nj.gov.