CVE-2022-3051 is a high-severity heap buffer overflow vulnerability identified in the Exosphere component of Google Chrome, specifically affecting Chrome OS and the Lacros variant of Chrome prior to version 105.0.5195.52. The vulnerability arises from improper handling of user interface (UI) interactions, where a remote attacker can craft specific UI events that trigger heap corruption. This heap buffer overflow (classified under CWE-787) can lead to arbitrary code execution, allowing an attacker to compromise the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected system. Exploitation requires no privileges and no prior authentication, but does require user interaction, such as convincing the user to engage with malicious UI elements. The vulnerability has a CVSS 3.1 base score of 8.8, reflecting its critical impact and ease of exploitation over a network. Although no known exploits have been reported in the wild as of the publication date, the potential for remote code execution makes this a significant threat. The vulnerability affects Chrome OS devices and the Lacros browser, which is a Chrome variant designed to run on Linux-based Chrome OS environments, indicating a focus on Chrome OS users rather than general desktop Chrome users. The lack of specified affected versions beyond the Lacros version prior to 105.0.5195.52 suggests that earlier versions are vulnerable. The vulnerability was publicly disclosed on September 26, 2022, and no patch links were provided in the source data, implying that organizations should verify patch availability directly from Google and apply updates promptly to mitigate risk.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a significant risk, especially for those deploying Chrome OS devices or using the Lacros browser variant in their IT environments. Exploitation could lead to full system compromise, data theft, or disruption of services. Given the widespread use of Google Chrome across enterprises and educational institutions in Europe, the vulnerability could be leveraged to target sensitive information or disrupt operations. The requirement for user interaction means phishing or social engineering campaigns could be used to trigger the exploit, increasing the attack surface. Organizations relying on Chrome OS for secure endpoint management or kiosk deployments may face elevated risks. Additionally, sectors with high regulatory requirements for data protection, such as finance, healthcare, and government, could suffer severe compliance and reputational damage if exploited. The absence of known exploits in the wild reduces immediate risk but does not eliminate the threat, as attackers may develop exploits over time.

European organizations should prioritize the following specific mitigation steps: 1) Immediately verify and apply the latest security updates from Google for Chrome OS and the Lacros browser to ensure the vulnerability is patched. 2) Implement strict endpoint security policies that limit user interaction with untrusted content, including disabling or restricting UI features that could be exploited. 3) Enhance user awareness training focused on recognizing and avoiding social engineering tactics that could lead to malicious UI interactions. 4) Deploy application control and sandboxing technologies to contain potential exploitation attempts within isolated environments. 5) Monitor network and endpoint logs for unusual UI interaction patterns or crashes indicative of exploitation attempts. 6) For organizations using managed Chrome OS devices, enforce automatic updates and restrict installation of unapproved extensions or applications that could facilitate exploitation. 7) Coordinate with IT teams to conduct vulnerability scans and penetration tests targeting Chrome OS devices to validate the effectiveness of mitigations. These targeted actions go beyond generic advice by focusing on the unique aspects of this heap overflow and its exploitation vector.