CVE-2020-12278 : Security Advisory and Response

CVE-2020-12278 is a vulnerability discovered in libgit2 that affects versions before 0.28.4 and 0.9x before 0.99.0. The issue arises from mishandling equivalent filenames due to NTFS Alternate Data Streams, potentially leading to remote code execution during repository cloning.

Understanding CVE-2020-12278

This section provides insights into the nature and impact of CVE-2020-12278.

What is CVE-2020-12278?

CVE-2020-12278 is a security flaw in libgit2 that could be exploited for remote code execution when cloning a repository. It is akin to CVE-2019-1352.

The Impact of CVE-2020-12278

The vulnerability poses a significant risk as it allows attackers to execute malicious code remotely, compromising the integrity and security of the affected systems.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-12278

Explore the technical aspects of CVE-2020-12278 to understand its implications.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in libgit2 arises from the mishandling of equivalent filenames due to NTFS Alternate Data Streams, potentially enabling remote code execution.

Affected Systems and Versions

Vendor: n/a
Product: n/a
Versions: Versions before 0.28.4 and 0.9x before 0.99.0 are affected.

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability can be exploited during the cloning of a repository, allowing threat actors to execute remote code.

Mitigation and Prevention

Learn how to mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2020-12278.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update libgit2 to version 0.28.4 or 0.99.0 to patch the vulnerability.
Monitor for any unusual activities on the network that could indicate exploitation.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update software and libraries to the latest versions to address known vulnerabilities.
Implement network segmentation and access controls to limit the impact of potential attacks.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security advisories and patches released by libgit2 to address vulnerabilities like CVE-2020-12278.