CVE-2020-12653 : Security Advisory and Response
Discover the impact of CVE-2020-12653, a vulnerability in the Linux kernel before 5.5.4 allowing local users to gain privileges or cause a denial of service. Learn about affected systems, exploitation risks, and mitigation steps.
An issue was found in the Linux kernel before version 5.5.4, allowing local users to gain privileges or cause a denial of service due to an incorrect memcpy and buffer overflow.
Understanding CVE-2020-12653
What is CVE-2020-12653?
The vulnerability exists in the mwifiex_cmd_append_vsie_tlv() function in the drivers/net/wireless/marvell/mwifiex/scan.c file.
The Impact of CVE-2020-12653
The vulnerability can be exploited by local users to elevate privileges or trigger a denial of service attack.
Technical Details of CVE-2020-12653
Vulnerability Description
The issue is caused by an incorrect memcpy and buffer overflow in the mwifiex_cmd_append_vsie_tlv() function.
Affected Systems and Versions
- Linux kernel versions before 5.5.4
Exploitation Mechanism
- Local users can exploit the vulnerability to gain elevated privileges or disrupt services.
Mitigation and Prevention
Immediate Steps to Take
- Apply the official patch provided by the Linux kernel maintainers.
- Monitor vendor advisories for updates and apply patches promptly.
Long-Term Security Practices
- Regularly update the Linux kernel to the latest stable version.
- Implement the principle of least privilege to limit user access rights.
Patching and Updates
- Keep the Linux kernel up to date with the latest security patches.