CVE-2020-6382 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE
Type confusion in JavaScript in Google Chrome prior to 80.0.3987.87 allowed a remote attacker to potentially exploit heap corruption via a crafted HTML page.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/10/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-6382 represents a critical type confusion flaw within Google Chrome's JavaScript engine that existed prior to version 80.0.3987.87. This issue stems from improper handling of object types during JavaScript execution, creating a scenario where the browser's memory management system becomes confused about the data type of allocated objects. The vulnerability specifically affects the V8 JavaScript engine used by Chrome, which is responsible for executing JavaScript code in web pages and applications. Type confusion vulnerabilities occur when a program incorrectly handles objects that are expected to be of one type but are actually of another, leading to unpredictable behavior and potential exploitation.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability involves crafting a malicious HTML page that triggers specific conditions within the JavaScript engine where type information becomes corrupted in memory. When Chrome processes such a page, the engine's type inference mechanisms fail to properly validate object types during runtime operations, potentially leading to heap corruption. This heap corruption can manifest in various ways including memory overwrite conditions, arbitrary code execution, or denial of service scenarios. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it allows remote attackers to execute malicious code on a victim's system simply by visiting a compromised webpage, making it a prime target for drive-by download attacks and phishing campaigns.
The operational impact of CVE-2020-6382 extends beyond immediate code execution capabilities to encompass broader security implications for web browsing environments. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to bypass modern security mitigations such as address space layout randomization and data execution prevention mechanisms. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-466, which describes "Return of Pointer Value Outside of Expected Range" and specifically relates to improper handling of object types in memory management. From an attack framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for JavaScript execution and T1203 for exploitation of web applications, making it a significant vector for advanced persistent threats and zero-day attacks. The vulnerability affects not only individual users but also enterprise environments where Chrome is widely deployed as the primary web browser.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2020-6382 primarily focus on immediate browser updates to versions 80.0.3987.87 and later, which contain patches addressing the type confusion issue in the V8 engine. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management protocols to ensure all Chrome installations are updated promptly. Additional protective measures include deploying web application firewalls, implementing strict content security policies, and utilizing browser hardening techniques such as disabling unnecessary JavaScript features. Security teams should also monitor for indicators of compromise related to this vulnerability, particularly unusual JavaScript execution patterns or memory access violations. The fix implemented by Google addresses the root cause by strengthening type validation mechanisms within the JavaScript engine and improving memory management procedures to prevent the conditions that lead to type confusion. Organizations should also consider deploying sandboxing solutions and privilege separation techniques to limit potential damage from successful exploitation attempts, as the vulnerability could enable attackers to gain elevated privileges on affected systems.