CVE-2020-12755 : What You Need to Know

KDE kio-extras through version 20.04.0 is affected by a vulnerability that may lead to unintended KWallet storage of a password.

Understanding CVE-2020-12755

This CVE involves a specific function in KDE kio-extras that can result in a security issue related to password storage.

What is CVE-2020-12755?

The vulnerability in fishProtocol::establishConnection in KDE kio-extras through version 20.04.0 triggers a cacheAuthentication call even if the user did not set the keepPassword option. This behavior can potentially cause passwords to be stored unintentionally in KWallet.

The Impact of CVE-2020-12755

The vulnerability could lead to the unintended storage of passwords in KWallet, compromising user security and privacy.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-12755

This section provides more technical insights into the CVE.

Vulnerability Description

The issue lies in the fishProtocol::establishConnection function in fish/fish.cpp in KDE kio-extras through version 20.04.0, where a cacheAuthentication call is made regardless of the user's keepPassword option setting.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Not applicable
Vendor: Not applicable
Versions affected: Not applicable

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability can be exploited by an attacker to trigger the cacheAuthentication call, leading to the unintended storage of passwords in KWallet.

Mitigation and Prevention

It is crucial to take immediate steps to address and prevent the exploitation of this vulnerability.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users should update KDE kio-extras to a patched version to mitigate the risk.
Consider disabling KWallet or reviewing its settings to prevent unintended password storage.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update software and systems to ensure the latest security patches are in place.
Educate users on best practices for password management and security.

Patching and Updates

Apply patches provided by KDE promptly to fix the vulnerability and prevent potential exploitation.