CVE-2018-5764 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

Rsyncd, a remote synchronization service, contains a vulnerability in versions prior to 3.1.3 that allows attackers to bypass argument-sanitization protection mechanisms.

Understanding CVE-2018-5764

What is CVE-2018-5764?

The parse_arguments function in rsyncd in rsync before 3.1.3 lacks proper prevention measures to handle multiple instances of the --protect-args flag, enabling cyber attackers to exploit this vulnerability.

The Impact of CVE-2018-5764

This vulnerability allows remote attackers to bypass argument-sanitization protection mechanisms, potentially leading to unauthorized access or other malicious activities.

Technical Details of CVE-2018-5764

Vulnerability Description

The parse_arguments function in rsyncd in rsync before 3.1.3 does not prevent multiple --protect-args uses, allowing remote attackers to bypass argument-sanitization protection mechanisms.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: n/a
Vendor: n/a
Versions affected: Versions prior to 3.1.3

Exploitation Mechanism

Cyber attackers can exploit this vulnerability by manipulating multiple instances of the --protect-args flag to bypass argument-sanitization protection mechanisms.

Mitigation and Prevention

Immediate Steps to Take

Update rsync to version 3.1.3 or newer to mitigate the vulnerability.
Monitor vendor security advisories for patches and updates.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update and patch software to address known vulnerabilities.
Implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure to potential attacks.

Patching and Updates

Apply patches and updates provided by the rsync vendor to address the vulnerability.