CVE-2020-6575 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE
Race in Mojo in Google Chrome prior to 85.0.4183.102 allowed a remote attacker who had compromised the renderer process to potentially perform a sandbox escape via a crafted HTML page.
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/05/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-6575 represents a critical race condition flaw within the Mojo component of Google Chrome browser. This issue existed in versions prior to 85.0.4183.102 and specifically affects the renderer process sandbox mechanism. The vulnerability stems from improper synchronization mechanisms during Mojo message handling, creating a window where malicious code could exploit temporal inconsistencies in the system's security controls. Mojo is Google's component framework designed to facilitate communication between different browser processes while maintaining security boundaries, making this flaw particularly dangerous as it directly targets the fundamental security architecture of the browser.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a race condition that occurs when handling asynchronous messages within the Mojo IPC (Inter-Process Communication) system. Attackers who have already compromised the renderer process through other means can leverage this race condition to escalate their privileges and potentially escape the sandbox environment. The flaw manifests when multiple threads or processes attempt to access shared resources without proper locking mechanisms, allowing for unpredictable execution flows that could be manipulated by an attacker. This race condition creates a temporal gap where the system's security checks may be bypassed or circumvented, enabling unauthorized access to restricted system resources.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to browser security and user data protection. The attack vector requires an initial compromise of the renderer process, which is often achieved through other browser exploits or social engineering techniques. However, once achieved, the sandbox escape capability allows attackers to gain broader system access, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The impact extends beyond individual user sessions as compromised browsers can serve as entry points for larger network infiltration campaigns. Organizations relying on Chrome-based applications face increased risk of data breaches, privilege escalation attacks, and potential lateral movement within their networks. This vulnerability directly impacts the principle of least privilege and process isolation that modern browsers implement to protect users from malicious content.
Security mitigations for CVE-2020-6575 primarily involve updating to Chrome version 85.0.4183.102 or later, which includes proper synchronization fixes for the Mojo component. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management protocols to ensure timely deployment of security updates across all browser installations. Additional protective measures include maintaining strict browser security policies, implementing network monitoring for suspicious activities, and conducting regular security assessments of browser-based applications. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-362, which addresses race conditions in software implementations, and corresponds to techniques described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under privilege escalation and defense evasion tactics. System administrators should also consider implementing browser hardening measures such as disabling unnecessary browser features, restricting plugin execution, and maintaining updated security tooling to detect potential exploitation attempts.