CVE-2019-20923 : Security Advisory and Response
Learn about CVE-2019-20923, a MongoDB Server vulnerability allowing denial of service attacks. Find out the impact, affected versions, and mitigation steps.
This CVE involves a vulnerability in MongoDB Server versions prior to 4.0.7 that allows an authorized user to execute specially crafted queries, leading to a denial of service due to unhandled Javascript exceptions.
Understanding CVE-2019-20923
This CVE, titled 'Crash while handling internal Javascript exception types,' was published on November 30, 2020.
What is CVE-2019-20923?
CVE-2019-20923 is a vulnerability in MongoDB Server versions before 4.0.7 that enables an authenticated user to trigger a denial of service by executing specific queries that generate unhandled Javascript exceptions.
The Impact of CVE-2019-20923
The vulnerability has a CVSS base score of 6.5, with a medium severity rating. It can result in a high impact on availability, allowing an attacker to disrupt the service by causing the server to crash.
Technical Details of CVE-2019-20923
This section provides more in-depth technical insights into the CVE.
Vulnerability Description
An authorized user can exploit this vulnerability by executing specially crafted queries that trigger unhandled Javascript exceptions, leading to a denial of service condition.
Affected Systems and Versions
- Product: MongoDB Server
- Vendor: MongoDB Inc.
- Versions Affected: MongoDB Server versions prior to 4.0.7
Exploitation Mechanism
- Attack Complexity: Low
- Attack Vector: Network
- Privileges Required: Low
- User Interaction: None
- Scope: Unchanged
- Vector String: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:H
Mitigation and Prevention
Protecting systems from this vulnerability requires immediate actions and long-term security practices.
Immediate Steps to Take
- Upgrade MongoDB Server to version 4.0.7 or later to mitigate the vulnerability.
- Monitor and restrict database query permissions to authorized users only.
Long-Term Security Practices
- Regularly update and patch MongoDB Server to the latest versions.
- Implement network security measures to prevent unauthorized access to the database.
Patching and Updates
Ensure timely application of security patches and updates to MongoDB Server to address known vulnerabilities.