CVE-2022-3049 is a high-severity use-after-free vulnerability identified in the SplitScreen component of Google Chrome on Chrome OS and Lacros versions prior to 105.0.5195.52. This vulnerability arises when a remote attacker convinces a user to perform specific user interface interactions while visiting a crafted HTML page. The flaw leads to heap corruption due to improper memory management, specifically a use-after-free condition, which occurs when the program continues to use memory after it has been freed. Exploiting this vulnerability can allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code, escalate privileges, or cause a denial of service by crashing the browser. The vulnerability does not require any privileges or prior authentication but does require user interaction, making social engineering a likely vector. The CVSS v3.1 score of 8.8 reflects the critical impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability, with network attack vector, low attack complexity, and no privileges required. Although no known exploits are currently reported in the wild, the potential for exploitation is significant due to the widespread use of Chrome and the nature of the vulnerability. The vulnerability is tracked under CWE-362, which relates to race conditions leading to use-after-free errors. No specific patch links were provided, but users are advised to update to Chrome versions 105.0.5195.52 or later where the issue is resolved.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a substantial risk given the extensive use of Google Chrome as a primary web browser across enterprises, government agencies, and critical infrastructure sectors. Successful exploitation could lead to unauthorized code execution within the browser context, potentially allowing attackers to bypass security controls, steal sensitive data, or disrupt operations. The requirement for user interaction means phishing or social engineering campaigns could be leveraged to trigger the exploit, increasing the threat surface. Organizations handling sensitive personal data under GDPR could face compliance and reputational risks if breaches occur due to this vulnerability. Additionally, sectors such as finance, healthcare, and public administration, which rely heavily on Chrome OS devices or Lacros on Linux-based systems, may be particularly vulnerable. The potential for heap corruption and arbitrary code execution could also facilitate lateral movement within networks, amplifying the impact of an initial compromise.

European organizations should prioritize updating all affected Chrome installations to version 105.0.5195.52 or later as soon as possible to remediate the vulnerability. Given the user interaction requirement, organizations should enhance user awareness training focused on recognizing and avoiding suspicious links and phishing attempts. Implementing browser security policies that restrict or sandbox untrusted content can reduce exploitation risk. Employing endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions capable of detecting anomalous browser behavior may help identify exploitation attempts early. Network-level protections such as web filtering and intrusion prevention systems should be configured to block access to known malicious sites hosting crafted HTML pages. For Chrome OS environments, administrators should enforce automatic updates and monitor device compliance. Additionally, organizations should audit and limit the use of extensions or plugins that could increase attack surface or interfere with browser memory management. Regular vulnerability scanning and penetration testing focused on browser security can help identify residual risks.