CVE-2018-20034 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies
Learn about CVE-2018-20034, a Denial of Service vulnerability in FlexNet Publisher version 11.16.1.0 and earlier. Find out how attackers can disrupt system connections and shutdown the vendor daemon.
A Denial of Service vulnerability in FlexNet Publisher version 11.16.1.0 and earlier allows attackers to disrupt the connection between lmgrd and the vendor daemon, leading to a shutdown.
Understanding CVE-2018-20034
This CVE involves a weakness in FlexNet Publisher that can be exploited to cause a Denial of Service (DoS) attack.
What is CVE-2018-20034?
The vulnerability in FlexNet Publisher version 11.16.1.0 and older enables malicious external parties to disrupt the connection between lmgrd and the vendor daemon, resulting in the shutdown of the vendor daemon.
The Impact of CVE-2018-20034
Exploiting this vulnerability can lead to a Denial of Service (DoS) condition, causing the vendor daemon to shut down, impacting system availability and functionality.
Technical Details of CVE-2018-20034
This section provides detailed technical information about the vulnerability.
Vulnerability Description
The vulnerability allows attackers to manipulate messages sent to lmgrd and the vendor daemon while adding an item to a list, disrupting the connection between the two components and leading to the shutdown of the vendor daemon.
Affected Systems and Versions
- Product: FlexNet Publisher
- Vendor: Flexera Software LLC
- Versions affected: 11.16.1.0 and earlier
Exploitation Mechanism
Attackers can exploit the vulnerability by sending specific messages to lmgrd and the vendor daemon, causing the heartbeat between them to stop and resulting in the shutdown of the vendor daemon.
Mitigation and Prevention
Protecting systems from CVE-2018-20034 requires immediate actions and long-term security practices.
Immediate Steps to Take
- Apply vendor-supplied patches or updates to mitigate the vulnerability.
- Monitor network traffic for any suspicious activity targeting lmgrd and the vendor daemon.
Long-Term Security Practices
- Regularly update and patch software to address known vulnerabilities.
- Implement network segmentation to limit the impact of potential attacks.
- Conduct security training for employees to recognize and respond to social engineering tactics.
Patching and Updates
- Flexera Software LLC may release patches or updates to address the vulnerability. Stay informed about security advisories and apply patches promptly.