CVE-2020-6458 : Security Advisory and Response

Google Chrome prior to 81.0.4044.122 is affected by an out-of-bounds read and write vulnerability in PDFium, potentially allowing remote attackers to exploit heap corruption via a crafted PDF file.

Understanding CVE-2020-6458

This CVE identifies a specific security issue in Google Chrome that could lead to remote exploitation.

What is CVE-2020-6458?

The CVE-2020-6458 vulnerability involves an out-of-bounds read and write flaw in PDFium within Google Chrome versions earlier than 81.0.4044.122. This weakness could be abused by a remote attacker through a maliciously crafted PDF file.

The Impact of CVE-2020-6458

The vulnerability could result in heap corruption, potentially enabling attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service (DoS) condition on affected systems.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-6458

This section delves into the technical aspects of the CVE.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in PDFium in Google Chrome allows for out-of-bounds read and write operations, posing a risk of heap corruption.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Chrome
Vendor: Google
Versions Affected: Prior to 81.0.4044.122

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability can be exploited remotely by leveraging a specially crafted PDF file to trigger heap corruption.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protective measures to address the CVE-2020-6458 vulnerability.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update Google Chrome to version 81.0.4044.122 or later to mitigate the vulnerability.
Avoid opening PDF files from untrusted or unknown sources.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update software and applications to the latest versions to patch known vulnerabilities.
Implement network security measures to detect and block malicious PDF files.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security advisories from Google Chrome and promptly apply recommended patches to secure systems.