CVE-2019-15900 : What You Need to Know

A vulnerability was identified in slicer69 doas prior to version 6.2 on select platforms that are not OpenBSD. The vulnerability allowed for the execution of commands with root privileges due to improper error handling in the sscanf function.

Understanding CVE-2019-15900

This CVE pertains to a security issue in slicer69 doas versions prior to 6.2 on specific platforms.

What is CVE-2019-15900?

The vulnerability in slicer69 doas before version 6.2 on certain platforms, excluding OpenBSD, allowed for the execution of commands with root privileges due to a flaw in error handling.

The Impact of CVE-2019-15900

The vulnerability could lead to unauthorized command execution with elevated privileges, posing a significant security risk to affected systems.

Technical Details of CVE-2019-15900

This section provides more in-depth technical insights into the CVE.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability stemmed from the improper handling of errors in the sscanf function, leading to the execution of commands with root privileges.

Affected Systems and Versions

Affected: slicer69 doas versions prior to 6.2
Platforms: Excludes OpenBSD

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability exploited the lack of proper error checking in the sscanf function, allowing for the execution of commands with elevated privileges.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2019-15900 requires immediate actions and long-term security measures.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update slicer69 doas to version 6.2 or above to mitigate the vulnerability.
Implement proper input validation and error handling in applications to prevent similar issues.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly monitor and update software to address security vulnerabilities promptly.
Conduct security audits and assessments to identify and remediate potential risks.

Patching and Updates

Apply patches and updates provided by the software vendor to address security vulnerabilities and enhance system security.