CVE-2020-13132 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis

An issue was discovered in Yubico libykpiv before 2.1.0 that could lead to a denial of service attack due to incorrect error handling code triggering an incorrect free() function in the ykpiv_util_generate_key() function in lib/util.c.

Understanding CVE-2020-13132

This CVE involves a vulnerability in Yubico libykpiv that could be exploited by an attacker to cause a denial of service.

What is CVE-2020-13132?

The vulnerability in Yubico libykpiv before version 2.1.0 allows an attacker to trigger an incorrect free() function, leading to a denial of service attack.

The Impact of CVE-2020-13132

The impact of this vulnerability is rated as MEDIUM severity with a CVSS base score of 4.3. The attack complexity is LOW, requiring physical access, and the availability impact is HIGH.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-13132

This section provides more technical insights into the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability allows an attacker to exploit incorrect error handling code to trigger an incorrect free() function, potentially causing a denial of service attack.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Yubico libykpiv
Versions affected: Before 2.1.0

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability can be exploited by an attacker through incorrect error handling code, leading to the triggering of an incorrect free() function.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2020-13132, follow these mitigation steps:

Immediate Steps to Take

Update Yubico libykpiv to version 2.1.0 or later.
Monitor for any unusual system behavior that could indicate a denial of service attack.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update software and firmware to patch known vulnerabilities.
Implement proper error handling mechanisms to prevent exploitation of similar issues.

Patching and Updates

Apply patches provided by Yubico to fix the vulnerability.