CVE-2020-6516 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

A policy bypass vulnerability in Google Chrome before version 84.0.4147.89 could allow a remote attacker to expose cross-origin data through a malicious HTML page.

Understanding CVE-2020-6516

This CVE details a security issue in Google Chrome that could lead to data leakage across origins due to a policy bypass vulnerability.

What is CVE-2020-6516?

CVE-2020-6516 is a vulnerability in Google Chrome that enables a remote attacker to leak cross-origin data by exploiting a CORS policy bypass.

The Impact of CVE-2020-6516

The vulnerability in Chrome versions prior to 84.0.4147.89 could be exploited by a malicious actor to access sensitive data from other origins, posing a risk to user privacy and security.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-6516

This section provides more in-depth technical insights into the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The issue involves a policy bypass in the Cross-Origin Resource Sharing (CORS) mechanism of Google Chrome, allowing unauthorized access to cross-origin data.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Chrome
Vendor: Google
Versions Affected: < 84.0.4147.89
Version Type: Custom

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability can be exploited by a remote attacker through a specially crafted HTML page to bypass the CORS policy and access cross-origin data.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2020-6516 and enhance security, follow these mitigation strategies:

Immediate Steps to Take

Update Google Chrome to version 84.0.4147.89 or later to mitigate the vulnerability.
Avoid visiting untrusted websites or clicking on suspicious links to minimize the risk of exploitation.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update your browser and other software to patch known vulnerabilities.
Implement strict CORS policies and security mechanisms to prevent unauthorized data access.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security updates for Google Chrome and apply patches promptly to protect against potential threats.