CVE-2022-3053 is a medium-severity vulnerability affecting Google Chrome on macOS platforms prior to version 105.0.5195.52. The issue stems from an inappropriate implementation of the Pointer Lock API, a web feature that allows web applications to capture and control the mouse pointer, typically used in immersive web experiences such as games or 3D applications. In this vulnerability, a remote attacker can craft a malicious HTML page that exploits the flawed Pointer Lock implementation to restrict user navigation. Specifically, the attacker can trap the user's mouse pointer, preventing normal navigation actions such as switching tabs, closing the browser, or interacting with other UI elements, effectively creating a denial-of-control scenario. The CVSS 3.1 base score is 4.3, reflecting a medium severity level, with the vector indicating that the attack can be executed remotely over the network without privileges but requires user interaction (UI:R). The impact is limited to integrity, as the attacker can interfere with user navigation but cannot directly compromise confidentiality or availability. There are no known exploits in the wild reported at the time of publication, and no specific patch links were provided, but updating Chrome to version 105.0.5195.52 or later mitigates the issue. This vulnerability is specific to macOS versions of Chrome, and the attack requires the user to visit a malicious web page, making social engineering or drive-by browsing necessary for exploitation.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2022-3053 is primarily related to user experience disruption and potential security risks arising from restricted navigation control in Chrome on macOS devices. Organizations with employees or users relying on macOS and Chrome browsers could face scenarios where users are trapped on malicious web pages, potentially leading to phishing or social engineering attacks that exploit the inability to easily navigate away. While the vulnerability does not directly lead to data breaches or system compromise, it can facilitate further attacks by impeding user control and increasing the likelihood of successful exploitation of other browser-based threats. This can affect productivity and increase risk exposure, especially in sectors with high reliance on web applications and remote work environments. Given the medium severity and requirement for user interaction, the threat is moderate but should not be ignored, particularly in environments where macOS usage is significant.

To mitigate CVE-2022-3053, European organizations should prioritize updating all Google Chrome installations on macOS devices to version 105.0.5195.52 or later, where the vulnerability is patched. Additionally, organizations should implement browser security policies that restrict access to untrusted or unknown websites, reducing the risk of users encountering malicious pages exploiting this vulnerability. User awareness training should emphasize caution when interacting with unfamiliar web content, highlighting the risks of pointer lock abuse and navigation restriction. Deploying endpoint protection solutions that monitor browser behavior and detect anomalous pointer lock usage can provide additional defense layers. Network-level controls such as web filtering and DNS filtering can block access to known malicious domains. Finally, organizations should maintain an inventory of macOS devices and ensure timely patch management processes are in place to promptly address browser vulnerabilities.