CVE-2023-2930 is a high-severity use-after-free vulnerability affecting Google Chrome versions prior to 114.0.5735.90. The flaw resides within the Extensions component of the browser, where improper memory management leads to a use-after-free condition. This vulnerability can be exploited by an attacker who convinces a user to install a malicious Chrome extension. Once installed, the attacker can trigger heap corruption by crafting a specially designed HTML page that interacts with the malicious extension. The heap corruption could allow arbitrary code execution within the context of the browser process, potentially compromising the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the user's system. The vulnerability does not require prior authentication but does require user interaction in the form of installing the malicious extension and visiting a crafted webpage. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 8.8, reflecting the network attack vector, low attack complexity, no privileges required, user interaction needed, and high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. Although no known exploits in the wild have been reported, the vulnerability's characteristics make it a significant risk, especially given Chrome's widespread use. The underlying weakness is classified under CWE-416 (Use After Free), a common and dangerous memory corruption issue that can lead to arbitrary code execution or denial of service. The vulnerability was publicly disclosed on May 30, 2023, and fixed in Chrome version 114.0.5735.90. Users running earlier versions remain vulnerable until they update.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a substantial risk due to the widespread adoption of Google Chrome as a primary web browser across enterprises and public institutions. Exploitation could lead to unauthorized access to sensitive corporate data, disruption of business operations, and potential lateral movement within networks if attackers gain code execution capabilities. The requirement for user interaction (installing a malicious extension) means that social engineering or phishing campaigns could be used to target employees, increasing the risk of successful exploitation. Given the high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability, organizations handling sensitive personal data, intellectual property, or critical infrastructure information are particularly at risk. Additionally, the vulnerability could be leveraged to bypass security controls enforced through browser extensions, undermining endpoint security strategies. The absence of known exploits in the wild currently reduces immediate risk but does not eliminate it, as attackers may develop exploits following public disclosure. Therefore, European organizations must prioritize patching and user awareness to mitigate potential impacts.

1. Immediate update of all Google Chrome installations to version 114.0.5735.90 or later to apply the official patch addressing CVE-2023-2930. 2. Implement strict extension management policies via enterprise tools such as Google Workspace Admin Console or Microsoft Endpoint Manager to restrict installation of extensions to those vetted and approved by IT security teams, preventing users from installing potentially malicious extensions. 3. Conduct targeted user awareness training focusing on the risks of installing untrusted browser extensions and recognizing phishing attempts that may attempt to lure users into installing malicious extensions. 4. Deploy endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions capable of monitoring anomalous browser behaviors and memory corruption indicators that could signal exploitation attempts. 5. Utilize browser security features such as site isolation and sandboxing to limit the impact of potential exploitation. 6. Regularly audit installed extensions across organizational devices to detect unauthorized or suspicious extensions. 7. Monitor threat intelligence feeds and vulnerability disclosures for updates on exploitation activity related to this CVE to adjust defenses accordingly.