CVE-2020-6489 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE
Inappropriate implementation in developer tools in Google Chrome prior to 83.0.4103.61 allowed a remote attacker who had convinced the user to take certain actions in developer tools to obtain potentially sensitive information from disk via a crafted HTML page.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/05/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-6489 represents a critical security flaw in Google Chrome's developer tools implementation that existed prior to version 83.0.41. This issue stems from an inappropriate handling of file system access permissions within the browser's developer console environment, creating a pathway for remote attackers to exploit user interactions with malicious web content. The vulnerability specifically targets the developer tools component which is typically used for debugging and testing web applications but can be manipulated to access sensitive system resources when users engage with crafted HTML pages.
The technical flaw manifests through the improper validation of file system operations within Chrome's developer tools interface. When users interact with specially crafted HTML content that triggers developer tool functions, the vulnerability allows for unauthorized file system access that should normally be restricted. This occurs because the developer tools implementation fails to properly enforce security boundaries that typically separate user-facing web content from underlying system resources. The attack vector relies on social engineering to convince users to perform specific actions within the developer console, making it particularly dangerous as it requires user interaction but leverages the elevated privileges available within developer environments.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it enables attackers to potentially access sensitive files stored on the user's local system. This includes but is not limited to configuration files, personal documents, application data, and potentially system-level information that could be used for further exploitation. The vulnerability's remote nature means attackers can craft malicious web pages that, when visited by users with developer tools open, can silently access and exfiltrate data from the victim's system. This creates a significant risk for developers who frequently use Chrome's developer tools during their workflow, as they become more susceptible to targeted attacks.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-200, which addresses "Information Exposure," and demonstrates how improper access control in developer tools can lead to unauthorized data access. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving privilege escalation and credential access through web-based attacks. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including updating Chrome to version 83.0.41 or later, which resolves the underlying implementation flaw. Additionally, security teams should consider implementing browser hardening policies that restrict access to developer tools in production environments and educate users about the risks of interacting with untrusted web content that may trigger such vulnerabilities. The incident highlights the importance of maintaining strict security boundaries even within development tools that are typically considered safe due to their intended use in controlled environments.