CVE-2020-6485 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE
Insufficient data validation in media router in Google Chrome prior to 83.0.4103.61 allowed a remote attacker who had compromised the renderer process to bypass navigation restrictions via a crafted HTML page.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/05/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-6485 represents a critical security flaw in Google Chrome's media router implementation that existed prior to version 83.0.41. This issue stems from inadequate data validation mechanisms within the media router component, which is responsible for managing media playback and routing capabilities across different devices. The vulnerability specifically affects the renderer process within Chrome's architecture, where the media router component fails to properly validate input data from web pages, creating a potential pathway for privilege escalation and navigation restriction bypass.
The technical flaw manifests when a remote attacker who has already compromised a renderer process gains the ability to manipulate the media router functionality through carefully crafted HTML content. This allows the attacker to circumvent intended navigation restrictions that should normally prevent certain types of content access or routing operations. The vulnerability operates at the intersection of process isolation boundaries, exploiting the trust relationship between the renderer process and media router components. The insufficient validation occurs during the processing of media routing requests, where malicious HTML content can manipulate the routing decisions without proper verification of the source or legitimacy of the requests.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple navigation bypass, as it provides attackers with enhanced capabilities to manipulate media streaming and device routing behaviors. Attackers could potentially redirect media content to unauthorized devices, access restricted media sources, or interfere with legitimate media routing operations. This vulnerability particularly affects environments where Chrome is used for media streaming or collaborative work scenarios, where device routing and access controls are critical. The compromise of renderer processes typically occurs through other attack vectors such as drive-by downloads or phishing campaigns, making this vulnerability a dangerous escalation tool in targeted attacks.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-20 (Improper Input Validation) and represents a privilege escalation issue that could enable attackers to gain unauthorized access to media resources and device controls. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this under privilege escalation techniques, specifically targeting process manipulation and component exploitation within browser architectures. Organizations should prioritize immediate patching of affected Chrome versions, as the vulnerability requires no user interaction beyond visiting a malicious webpage. Network monitoring should focus on identifying unusual media routing patterns or unauthorized device connections that might indicate exploitation attempts.
Mitigation strategies should include mandatory Chrome updates to version 83.0.41 or later, along with enhanced browser hardening measures such as disabling unnecessary media routing features when not required. Security teams should implement browser isolation techniques and monitor for suspicious media routing activity in network traffic. Additionally, user education regarding phishing and drive-by download risks remains crucial, as the initial compromise typically occurs through social engineering or compromised websites rather than direct exploitation of this vulnerability. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and content filtering solutions that can detect and block malicious HTML content targeting browser components.