CVE-2022-2859 is a high-severity use-after-free vulnerability identified in the Chrome OS Shell component of Google Chrome versions prior to 104.0.5112.101. This vulnerability arises when the browser improperly manages memory, specifically freeing an object while it is still in use, leading to heap corruption. An attacker can exploit this flaw remotely by convincing a user to perform specific user interface (UI) interactions that trigger the use-after-free condition. The exploitation does not require any privileges or prior authentication but does require user interaction, such as clicking or navigating through certain UI elements crafted by the attacker. Successful exploitation could allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code within the context of the browser process, potentially leading to full compromise of the affected system. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-416 (Use After Free), which is a common and dangerous memory corruption issue. The CVSS v3.1 base score of 8.8 reflects the critical impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability, combined with the ease of remote exploitation without privileges but requiring user interaction. Although no known exploits in the wild have been reported as of the publication date, the severity and nature of the vulnerability make it a significant threat. The lack of a direct patch link in the provided data suggests organizations should ensure they update to Chrome version 104.0.5112.101 or later, where this vulnerability is addressed.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2022-2859 could be substantial. Google Chrome is widely used across enterprises, government agencies, and critical infrastructure sectors throughout Europe. Exploitation of this vulnerability could lead to unauthorized code execution, enabling attackers to steal sensitive data, install malware, or move laterally within networks. Given the vulnerability affects Chrome OS Shell, organizations using Chrome OS devices or Chrome browsers on other platforms are at risk. The potential for heap corruption and arbitrary code execution threatens confidentiality, integrity, and availability of systems. This could disrupt business operations, lead to data breaches, and compromise user privacy. Sectors such as finance, healthcare, and public administration, which rely heavily on Chrome for daily operations, are particularly vulnerable. Additionally, the requirement for user interaction means phishing or social engineering campaigns could be used to trigger the exploit, increasing the attack surface. The absence of known exploits in the wild reduces immediate risk but does not eliminate the threat, especially as proof-of-concept code or exploit techniques could emerge, prompting targeted attacks against European entities.

To mitigate CVE-2022-2859 effectively, European organizations should prioritize the following actions: 1) Immediate update of all Google Chrome installations to version 104.0.5112.101 or later, ensuring the vulnerability is patched. 2) Implement strict browser update policies and automated patch management to prevent outdated versions from remaining in use. 3) Educate users about the risks of interacting with untrusted or suspicious UI elements, emphasizing caution with links and attachments in emails or messages. 4) Deploy endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions capable of identifying anomalous browser behaviors indicative of exploitation attempts. 5) Use browser security features such as sandboxing, site isolation, and strict content security policies to limit the impact of potential exploits. 6) Monitor network traffic for unusual patterns that could suggest exploitation attempts, including phishing campaigns targeting user interaction. 7) For organizations using Chrome OS devices, ensure firmware and OS updates are applied promptly. These targeted measures go beyond generic advice by focusing on patch management, user awareness specific to UI interaction risks, and technical controls tailored to browser exploitation vectors.