CVE-2020-6567 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE
Insufficient validation of untrusted input in command line handling in Google Chrome on Windows prior to 85.0.4183.83 allowed a remote attacker to bypass navigation restrictions via a crafted HTML page.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/22/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-6567 represents a critical security flaw in Google Chrome's command line argument handling mechanism on Windows operating systems. This issue stems from inadequate validation of untrusted input during the processing of command line parameters, creating a pathway for remote attackers to exploit navigation restrictions that are typically enforced by the browser. The vulnerability specifically affects Chrome versions prior to 85.0.4183.83, where the browser's security model fails to properly sanitize or validate command line arguments received from potentially malicious sources. The flaw manifests when Chrome processes command line parameters that are passed to it through various execution paths, including those initiated by web-based content. Attackers can craft specially designed HTML pages that, when loaded in the browser, trigger the execution of malicious command line arguments. These arguments can bypass the normal navigation restrictions that Chrome implements to prevent unauthorized access to system resources or restricted URLs. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple navigation bypass as it potentially allows attackers to execute arbitrary commands or access restricted functionality that should normally be protected. The technical nature of this flaw aligns with CWE-20, which describes improper input validation, and specifically relates to command injection vulnerabilities where untrusted data is not properly sanitized before being processed. This weakness creates a direct attack vector that can be exploited through web-based delivery mechanisms, making it particularly dangerous in the context of modern browser environments where users frequently encounter untrusted content.
The operational impact of CVE-2020-6567 is significant as it allows remote attackers to circumvent fundamental security controls that Chrome implements to protect users from malicious navigation attempts. When exploited, this vulnerability can enable attackers to redirect users to malicious websites, execute unauthorized commands on the victim's system, or access restricted resources that should be protected by Chrome's security policies. The attack requires only a crafted HTML page that can be delivered through various means including phishing campaigns, malicious advertisements, or compromised websites. The exploitation process leverages Chrome's Windows-specific command line handling, where the browser fails to properly validate or sanitize arguments passed through the command line interface. This allows attackers to inject malicious parameters that bypass the normal navigation restrictions. The vulnerability's presence in Chrome versions prior to 85.0.4183.83 means that users who have not updated their browsers remain at risk, as the fix implemented by Google specifically addresses the input validation gap in the command line argument processing. The security implications extend to potential privilege escalation scenarios, where attackers might leverage this flaw to gain unauthorized access to system resources or execute code with elevated privileges. Organizations that rely on Chrome for browser security must consider the broader implications of this vulnerability, particularly in environments where users may encounter untrusted content or where browser-based attacks are a primary concern.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2020-6567 center on immediate browser updates to version 85.0.4183.83 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the command line argument validation issue. System administrators should implement comprehensive patch management procedures to ensure all Chrome installations are updated promptly, as the vulnerability can be exploited through web-based delivery mechanisms without requiring user interaction beyond visiting a malicious page. Additional protective measures include implementing web application firewalls that can detect and block suspicious command line argument patterns, as well as network-based filtering solutions that monitor for known malicious payloads. Organizations should also consider implementing browser hardening measures such as disabling unnecessary command line features or restricting Chrome's ability to execute external commands. The vulnerability's classification under ATT&CK framework's T1059.007 technique for command and scripting interpreter highlights the need for monitoring command line execution patterns and implementing behavioral analysis to detect anomalous activity. Security teams should establish monitoring procedures to detect potential exploitation attempts, particularly focusing on command line arguments that appear in Chrome processes or system logs. Regular security assessments should include verification that Chrome installations are up to date and that appropriate security configurations are in place to prevent exploitation of this vulnerability. The remediation process should also involve user education to raise awareness about the risks of visiting untrusted websites and the importance of keeping browser software updated. Network segmentation and access controls can provide additional layers of defense by limiting the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts, while endpoint protection solutions should be configured to detect and prevent malicious command line execution patterns associated with this vulnerability.