CVE-2019-3699 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

A vulnerability in the packaging of privoxy on openSUSE Leap 15.1 and Factory allows local attackers to escalate privileges from user privoxy to root.

Understanding CVE-2019-3699

This CVE involves a local privilege escalation issue affecting privoxy versions on openSUSE Leap 15.1 and Factory.

What is CVE-2019-3699?

The vulnerability allows local attackers with access to the privoxy user to elevate their privileges to root.

The Impact of CVE-2019-3699

CVSS Base Score: 7.7 (High Severity)
Attack Vector: Local
Confidentiality Impact: High
Integrity Impact: High
Privileges Required: None
Scope: Unchanged
This vulnerability poses a significant risk as it enables unauthorized users to gain root access.

Technical Details of CVE-2019-3699

This section provides detailed technical information about the CVE.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises from improper packaging of privoxy, allowing privilege escalation from user privoxy to root.

Affected Systems and Versions

Affected Products: Leap 15.1, Factory
Vulnerable Versions:
Leap 15.1: <= 3.0.28-lp151.1.1
Factory: <= 3.0.28-2.1

Exploitation Mechanism

Local attackers with access to the privoxy user account can exploit this vulnerability to gain root privileges.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protect your systems from CVE-2019-3699 with the following steps:

Immediate Steps to Take

Update privoxy to a non-vulnerable version.
Restrict access to the privoxy user account.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement the principle of least privilege to limit user access rights.
Regularly monitor and audit user activities to detect unauthorized actions.

Patching and Updates

Apply security patches provided by openSUSE to fix the vulnerability and prevent exploitation.