CVE-2019-16760 : What You Need to Know

With Rust versions prior to 1.26.0, there is a risk of downloading incorrect dependencies if your package.toml file utilizes the 'package' configuration key. This poses a potential security threat as the downloaded package could be a malicious one from crates.io. Users are strongly advised to update their compiler to the latest available version.

Understanding CVE-2019-16760

This CVE involves the risk of downloading incorrect dependencies in Rust versions prior to 1.26.0 due to the mishandling of the 'package' configuration key in the Cargo.toml file.

What is CVE-2019-16760?

In Rust versions before 1.26.0, using the 'package' key in the Cargo.toml file may lead to downloading the wrong dependency, potentially a malicious one from crates.io.
Rust versions 1.0.0 to 1.25.0 are affected as Cargo disregards the 'package' key in manifests, impacting both local and published manifests.

The Impact of CVE-2019-16760

CVSS Score: 4.6 (Medium Severity)
Attack Vector: Network
Attack Complexity: High
User Interaction: Required
Scope: Unchanged
Confidentiality, Integrity, and Availability Impact: Low
Users of affected versions are at risk of unintentionally downloading malicious dependencies, potentially compromising system security.

Technical Details of CVE-2019-16760

Rust versions prior to 1.26.0 are susceptible to downloading incorrect dependencies due to the mishandling of the 'package' key in the Cargo.toml file.

Vulnerability Description

Usage of the 'package' key in Rust versions before 1.26.0 may result in downloading the wrong dependency, including potentially malicious packages from crates.io.

Affected Systems and Versions

Affected Systems: Rust versions 1.0.0 to 1.25.0
Affected Versions: Cargo prior to Rust 1.26.0

Exploitation Mechanism

Exploiting this vulnerability involves manipulating the 'package' key in the Cargo.toml file to download unintended dependencies.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2019-16760, users should take immediate steps and adopt long-term security practices to prevent such vulnerabilities.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update the compiler to Rust 1.26.0 or a newer version to mitigate the issue.
For users on Rust 1.19.0 to 1.25.0, applying linked patches can serve as an alternative mitigation approach.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update the compiler to the latest available version to ensure security patches are applied.

Patching and Updates

Point releases are not available for Rust versions prior to 1.26.0, making it crucial to update to Rust 1.26.0 or a newer release to prevent the vulnerability.