CVE-2020-6451 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

A use-after-free vulnerability in WebAudio in Google Chrome before 80.0.3987.162 could allow a remote attacker to exploit heap corruption via a malicious HTML page.

Understanding CVE-2020-6451

This CVE involves a specific vulnerability in Google Chrome that could lead to potential security risks.

What is CVE-2020-6451?

CVE-2020-6451 is a use-after-free vulnerability in WebAudio in Google Chrome versions prior to 80.0.3987.162. This flaw could be exploited by a remote attacker through a crafted HTML page, potentially resulting in heap corruption.

The Impact of CVE-2020-6451

The vulnerability could allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service (DoS) condition on the affected system, posing a significant security risk to users.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-6451

Details regarding the vulnerability, affected systems, and exploitation methods.

Vulnerability Description

The use-after-free vulnerability in WebAudio in Google Chrome versions before 80.0.3987.162 could enable a remote attacker to trigger heap corruption by utilizing a specially crafted HTML page.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Chrome
Vendor: Google
Versions Affected: < 80.0.3987.162

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability could be exploited by enticing a user to visit a malicious website containing the crafted HTML page, leading to potential heap corruption and security compromise.

Mitigation and Prevention

Measures to address and prevent the CVE-2020-6451 vulnerability.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update Google Chrome to version 80.0.3987.162 or later to mitigate the vulnerability.
Avoid clicking on suspicious links or visiting untrusted websites to reduce the risk of exploitation.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update software and applications to patch known vulnerabilities and enhance overall security posture.
Implement security best practices such as using antivirus software and practicing safe browsing habits.

Patching and Updates

Google has released patches to address the vulnerability. Ensure that all systems running affected versions of Chrome are promptly updated to the latest secure version.