CVE-2022-3045 is a high-severity vulnerability affecting the V8 JavaScript engine used in Google Chrome versions prior to 105.0.5195.52. The vulnerability arises from insufficient validation of untrusted input, which can lead to heap corruption when processing crafted HTML pages. Specifically, this is a type of memory corruption issue categorized under CWE-787 (Out-of-bounds Write). An attacker can exploit this vulnerability remotely by convincing a user to visit a maliciously crafted web page, triggering the vulnerability without requiring any prior authentication. The heap corruption 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 CVSS v3.1 base score of 8.8 reflects the critical impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability, combined with the ease of exploitation (network vector, no privileges required, but user interaction needed). Although no known exploits have been reported in the wild at the time of publication, the vulnerability poses a significant risk due to the widespread use of Google Chrome globally. The vulnerability was addressed by Google in Chrome version 105.0.5195.52 and later, emphasizing the importance of timely patching.

For European organizations, this vulnerability represents a substantial risk given the extensive use of Google Chrome as a primary web browser across enterprises and public sectors. Successful exploitation could lead to remote code execution, allowing attackers to bypass security controls, steal sensitive data, deploy malware, or move laterally within corporate networks. The impact is especially critical for organizations handling sensitive personal data under GDPR, financial institutions, government agencies, and critical infrastructure operators. The potential for data breaches and operational disruption could result in regulatory penalties, reputational damage, and financial losses. Additionally, the requirement for user interaction (visiting a malicious page) means phishing campaigns or compromised websites could be leveraged to exploit this vulnerability, increasing the attack surface. Given the lack of known exploits in the wild, proactive patching and user awareness are key to mitigating risk.

European organizations should prioritize updating all instances of Google Chrome to version 105.0.5195.52 or later immediately. Beyond patching, organizations should implement the following specific measures: 1) Deploy web filtering solutions to block access to known malicious or suspicious websites that could host exploit pages. 2) Enhance email security to detect and quarantine phishing emails that may contain links to malicious pages exploiting this vulnerability. 3) Use endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools to monitor for anomalous behaviors indicative of exploitation attempts, such as unusual memory access patterns or process injections. 4) Educate users about the risks of clicking on unknown links and visiting untrusted websites. 5) Employ browser hardening techniques such as disabling unnecessary plugins and enabling sandboxing features to limit the impact of potential exploitation. 6) Regularly audit browser versions and configurations across the organization to ensure compliance with security policies. These targeted actions, combined with timely patching, will significantly reduce the risk posed by CVE-2022-3045.