HOMEVULNERABILITIESCVE-2020-16017
HIGHCISA KEVIN THE WILD

CVE-2020-16017

Published: November 3, 2021

EPSS:21.41%probability of exploitation in 30 daysPercentile:95.6th

Official Description

Google Chrome contains a use-after-free vulnerability that allows a remote attacker, who has compromised the renderer process, to potentially perform a sandbox escape via a crafted HTML page.

NVD Source

CISA KEV Advisory

Google Chrome Use-After-Free Vulnerability

Google Chrome contains a use-after-free vulnerability that allows a remote attacker, who has compromised the renderer process, to potentially perform a sandbox escape via a crafted HTML page.

Added to KEV: 2021-11-03Federal patch deadline: 2022-05-03
Required Action (CISA)

Apply updates per vendor instructions.

Risk Analysis

This Google Chrome vulnerability is a use-after-free flaw that could allow a remote attacker, after compromising the renderer process, to perform a sandbox escape via a crafted HTML page. The high EPSS score indicates a significant likelihood of exploitation, and its presence in the KEV catalog confirms it has been actively exploited, making it a critical vulnerability for Chrome users.

This vulnerability has been actively exploited in the wild. It is remotely exploitable through crafted HTML content, typically as a secondary stage after initial renderer compromise.

Recommended Action

Users should ensure Google Chrome is updated to the latest version. Implement strong endpoint security and practice safe browsing habits to prevent initial renderer compromise.

Generated by the CTIWATCH analysis pipeline from this CVE's metadata (CVSS, EPSS, KEV status, exploit intelligence). Verify against vendor advisories before acting.

Technical Analysis

CVE-2020-16017 requires local access, meaning attackers must already have a foothold on the target system.

Exploitation requires some privileges, which limits the exposure to scenarios where an attacker has already gained initial access.

CISA has added CVE-2020-16017 to the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog, confirming active exploitation in the wild. U.S. federal agencies are required to patch this within the mandated timeframe, and all organizations should treat remediation as urgent.

Affected Vendors & Products

Mentioned vendors (from description):
Google
CPE data not yet available in NVD for this CVE.

Exploit & PoC Resources

ACTIVE EXPLOITATIONConfirmed exploitation in the wild
External links open in a new tab. Always verify in a controlled environment before use.

All References (1)

Quick Facts

CVE IDCVE-2020-16017
SeverityHIGH
CISA KEVYES — Active Exploitation
ExploitIN THE WILD
EPSS (30d)21.41%
PublishedNov 3, 2021

Recommended Actions

  • Apply vendor patches immediately
  • Monitor CVE-2020-16017 in threat intel feeds
  • Review IDS/IPS signatures for exploitation attempts
  • !CISA KEV: Federal agencies must patch per BOD 22-01 timeline
  • !Active exploitation confirmed — treat as P1
Data sourced from NVD (NIST), CISA KEV, and EPSS (FIRST). Analysis generated by CTIWATCH.COM. CVE data is provided under the NVD usage policy.