CVE-2020-11579 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

An issue was discovered in Chadha PHPKB 9.0 Enterprise Edition that allows a remote unauthenticated attacker to disclose local files on vulnerable hosts.

Understanding CVE-2020-11579

This CVE identifies a vulnerability in the installation process of Chadha PHPKB 9.0 Enterprise Edition that can be exploited by remote attackers.

What is CVE-2020-11579?

The vulnerability in installer/test-connection.php allows unauthenticated remote attackers to access local files on systems running PHP versions before 7.2.16 or on systems with the MySQL ALLOW LOCAL DATA INFILE option enabled.

The Impact of CVE-2020-11579

The exploitation of this vulnerability can lead to unauthorized disclosure of sensitive information stored on the affected host, posing a risk to data confidentiality and integrity.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-11579

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

Vulnerability Description

The issue lies in the installer/test-connection.php script of Chadha PHPKB 9.0 Enterprise Edition, which lacks proper access controls, allowing attackers to read local files.

Affected Systems and Versions

Hosts running PHP versions before 7.2.16
Hosts with the MySQL ALLOW LOCAL DATA INFILE option enabled

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability remotely without authentication, potentially leading to the exposure of sensitive files on the target system.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2020-11579 requires immediate actions and long-term security practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Disable the MySQL ALLOW LOCAL DATA INFILE option if not required
Update PHP to version 7.2.16 or newer
Monitor system logs for any suspicious activities

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement proper access controls and authentication mechanisms
Regularly update and patch software to address known vulnerabilities

Patching and Updates

Apply patches or updates provided by Chadha PHPKB to fix the vulnerability
Stay informed about security advisories and updates from relevant software vendors