CVE-2022-2855 is a high-severity use-after-free vulnerability found in the ANGLE component of Google Chrome versions prior to 104.0.5112.101. ANGLE (Almost Native Graphics Layer Engine) is a graphics abstraction layer used by Chrome to translate OpenGL ES calls to DirectX or Vulkan, enabling consistent rendering across platforms. The vulnerability arises when Chrome improperly manages memory, leading to a use-after-free condition. This means that after an object is freed, the program continues to use the memory, potentially causing heap corruption. An attacker can exploit this flaw by crafting a malicious HTML page that triggers the vulnerability when loaded by a victim's browser. The CVSS 3.1 score of 8.8 indicates a high impact with network attack vector, no privileges required, but user interaction is necessary (the victim must visit a malicious page). The vulnerability affects confidentiality, integrity, and availability, as heap corruption can lead to arbitrary code execution within the browser context. Although no known exploits in the wild have been reported, the high severity and ease of exploitation make this a critical risk for users running vulnerable Chrome versions. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-416 (Use After Free), a common and dangerous memory corruption issue. The patch was released in Chrome 104.0.5112.101, and users are strongly advised to update to this or later versions to mitigate the risk.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a significant risk due to the widespread use of Google Chrome as the primary web browser in both enterprise and consumer environments. Successful exploitation could allow attackers to execute arbitrary code remotely, potentially leading to data breaches, unauthorized access to sensitive information, or disruption of services. Given that the attack vector is remote and requires only user interaction (visiting a malicious webpage), phishing campaigns or compromised websites could serve as delivery mechanisms. This is particularly concerning for sectors with high-value targets such as finance, healthcare, government, and critical infrastructure, where data confidentiality and system integrity are paramount. Additionally, the vulnerability could be leveraged as an initial foothold for further lateral movement within corporate networks. The absence of known exploits in the wild does not diminish the urgency, as threat actors often develop exploits rapidly after public disclosure. European organizations must consider the regulatory implications under GDPR if personal data is compromised due to exploitation of this vulnerability.

1. Immediate update of all Google Chrome installations to version 104.0.5112.101 or later to ensure the vulnerability is patched. 2. Implement enterprise-wide browser update policies and automated patch management to minimize the window of exposure. 3. Employ web filtering solutions to block access to known malicious websites and phishing domains that could host exploit pages. 4. Use endpoint protection platforms with behavior-based detection to identify and block exploitation attempts involving heap corruption or anomalous browser behavior. 5. Educate users on the risks of clicking unknown links or visiting untrusted websites to reduce the likelihood of triggering the vulnerability. 6. Monitor network traffic and browser logs for unusual activity that could indicate exploitation attempts. 7. Consider deploying browser isolation technologies for high-risk users or sensitive environments to contain potential exploits. 8. Regularly review and audit browser extensions and plugins, as these can sometimes be vectors for exploitation or increase attack surface.