CVE-2020-13396 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

An out-of-bounds read vulnerability has been detected in FreeRDP before version 2.1.1.

Understanding CVE-2020-13396

This CVE identifies a specific security issue in FreeRDP that could potentially lead to a security breach.

What is CVE-2020-13396?

CVE-2020-13396 refers to an out-of-bounds read vulnerability found in the ntlm_read_ChallengeMessage function within FreeRDP's code.

The Impact of CVE-2020-13396

This vulnerability could be exploited by attackers to read beyond the allocated memory, potentially leading to information disclosure or a denial of service.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-13396

FreeRDP version 2.1.1 and earlier are affected by this vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The issue arises from improper bounds checking in the ntlm_read_ChallengeMessage function in FreeRDP's code.

Affected Systems and Versions

Vendor: n/a
Product: n/a
Versions: All versions before 2.1.1

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by crafting a malicious request that triggers the out-of-bounds read, potentially leading to a security compromise.

Mitigation and Prevention

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

Immediate Steps to Take

Update FreeRDP to version 2.1.1 or later to mitigate the vulnerability.
Monitor for any unusual activity that could indicate exploitation of the vulnerability.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update software and apply security patches to prevent known vulnerabilities.
Implement network segmentation and access controls to limit the impact of potential security breaches.
Conduct regular security assessments and penetration testing to identify and address vulnerabilities.
Stay informed about security advisories and updates from software vendors.

Patching and Updates

Ensure that all systems running FreeRDP are updated to version 2.1.1 or later to patch the vulnerability.