CVE-2022-2852 is a high-severity use-after-free vulnerability identified in the Federated Credential Management (FedCM) component of Google Chrome versions prior to 104.0.5112.101. This vulnerability arises when Chrome improperly manages memory, specifically freeing an object while it is still accessible, leading to a use-after-free condition. An attacker can exploit this flaw by crafting a malicious HTML page that triggers heap corruption, potentially allowing remote code execution or other malicious activities. The vulnerability does not require any privileges and can be exploited remotely over the network, but it does require user interaction, such as visiting a malicious website. The CVSS 3.1 base score is 8.8, reflecting high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability, with an attack vector over the network, low attack complexity, no privileges required, but user interaction necessary. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-416 (Use After Free), a common and dangerous memory corruption issue. Although no known exploits have been reported in the wild, the severity and ease of exploitation make it a critical concern for users of affected Chrome versions. The vulnerability was publicly disclosed on September 26, 2022, and Google has released patches in Chrome 104.0.5112.101 and later versions to address this issue.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a significant risk due to the widespread use of Google Chrome as a primary web browser across enterprises and public sectors. Exploitation could lead to unauthorized remote code execution, enabling attackers to compromise user systems, steal sensitive data, or disrupt operations. Given that the vulnerability affects the FedCM feature, which is related to federated identity and credential management, exploitation could also undermine authentication processes, potentially facilitating further lateral movement within networks. The requirement for user interaction (visiting a malicious webpage) means phishing or malicious advertising campaigns could be effective attack vectors. The impact is particularly critical for organizations handling sensitive personal data under GDPR regulations, as breaches could result in regulatory penalties and reputational damage. Additionally, sectors such as finance, government, and critical infrastructure in Europe, which rely heavily on Chrome for secure web access, could face operational disruptions or data breaches if this vulnerability is exploited.

European organizations should ensure that all instances of Google Chrome are updated to version 104.0.5112.101 or later without delay to remediate this vulnerability. Beyond patching, organizations should implement strict web filtering policies to block access to known malicious sites and employ advanced threat protection solutions that can detect and prevent exploitation attempts involving crafted HTML content. User awareness training should emphasize the risks of interacting with suspicious links or websites, reducing the likelihood of successful exploitation. Network segmentation and endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools can help contain potential breaches resulting from exploitation. Additionally, organizations should monitor browser telemetry and logs for unusual activity indicative of exploitation attempts. For environments where immediate patching is not feasible, disabling or restricting the use of FedCM features via browser policies may reduce exposure. Regular vulnerability scanning and penetration testing should include checks for outdated Chrome versions to maintain continuous security posture.