CVE-2020-16026 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

A vulnerability in Google Chrome prior to version 87.0.4280.66 allowed remote attackers to exploit heap corruption via a crafted HTML page.

Understanding CVE-2020-16026

This CVE involves a use after free vulnerability in WebRTC in Google Chrome.

What is CVE-2020-16026?

This CVE refers to a specific security vulnerability in Google Chrome that could be exploited by a remote attacker to potentially corrupt the heap using a specially crafted HTML page.

The Impact of CVE-2020-16026

The vulnerability could lead to heap corruption, potentially allowing attackers to execute arbitrary code or crash the application, posing a significant security risk to users.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-16026

This section provides more technical insights into the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability is classified as a use after free issue in WebRTC in Google Chrome versions prior to 87.0.4280.66.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Chrome
Vendor: Google
Versions Affected: < 87.0.4280.66

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers could exploit this vulnerability by enticing a user to visit a malicious website hosting a specially crafted HTML page, triggering the use after free condition.

Mitigation and Prevention

It is crucial to take immediate steps to mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2020-16026.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update Google Chrome to version 87.0.4280.66 or later to patch the vulnerability.
Avoid clicking on suspicious links or visiting untrusted websites to minimize the risk of exploitation.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update software and applications to ensure the latest security patches are applied.
Educate users about safe browsing practices and the importance of keeping software up to date.

Patching and Updates

Google has released a stable channel update addressing this vulnerability. Users are advised to promptly update their Chrome browser to the latest version to protect against potential exploits.