CVE-2020-6471 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE
Insufficient policy enforcement in developer tools in Google Chrome prior to 83.0.4103.61 allowed an attacker who convinced a user to install a malicious extension to potentially perform a sandbox escape via a crafted Chrome Extension.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/06/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-6471 represents a critical weakness in Google Chrome's developer tools implementation that could enable attackers to bypass security restrictions through malicious extensions. This flaw existed in Chrome versions prior to 83.0.4103.61 and specifically targeted the insufficient policy enforcement mechanisms within the browser's extension management system. The vulnerability stems from inadequate validation and enforcement of security policies when processing developer tools extensions, creating a pathway for privilege escalation that could ultimately compromise the entire browser sandbox environment.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through a sophisticated attack vector involving crafted Chrome Extensions that manipulate the extension installation and execution process. Attackers can convince users to install malicious extensions through social engineering techniques or by compromising legitimate extension distribution channels. Once installed, these extensions exploit the insufficient policy enforcement to perform actions that should be restricted by Chrome's security model, effectively enabling sandbox escape capabilities. The flaw demonstrates a fundamental failure in the browser's extension security architecture where developer tools extensions are not properly isolated from the core browser functionality.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to Chrome users and organizations that rely on the browser for sensitive operations. The attack requires user interaction to install the malicious extension, making it less automated but still highly dangerous given the potential for widespread compromise. Successful exploitation could allow attackers to access user data, perform arbitrary code execution within the browser environment, and potentially escalate privileges to gain access to system resources. The vulnerability directly impacts the principle of least privilege in browser security models, where extensions should operate within strictly defined boundaries.
The security implications extend beyond immediate user compromise to include potential data exfiltration and persistent access to user environments. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to establish backdoors, monitor user activities, and access sensitive information stored within the browser or associated with user accounts. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-284, which addresses insufficient access control, and maps to ATT&CK technique T1176 for Browser Extensions, highlighting the attack surface through browser-based tools. Organizations should prioritize updating Chrome to version 83.0.4103.61 or later to remediate this vulnerability and implement additional security measures such as extension whitelisting policies, user education programs, and monitoring for suspicious extension installations.
Mitigation strategies should include immediate deployment of Chrome updates, implementation of extension management policies that restrict installation sources, and enhanced monitoring of extension activity within browser environments. Security teams should also consider implementing browser security extensions that can detect and block suspicious extension behavior. Regular security audits of installed extensions and user education about the risks of installing extensions from untrusted sources are essential components of a comprehensive defense strategy. The vulnerability underscores the importance of maintaining up-to-date software and the critical role that browser security models play in protecting user environments from sophisticated attack techniques.