CVE-2020-13531 Explained : Impact and Mitigation
Learn about CVE-2020-13531, a high-severity use-after-free vulnerability in Pixar OpenUSD 20.08, allowing arbitrary code execution. Find mitigation steps and affected systems here.
A use-after-free vulnerability in Pixar OpenUSD 20.08 can lead to memory corruption and arbitrary code execution when processing reference paths in USD files.
Understanding CVE-2020-13531
This CVE involves a critical vulnerability in Pixar OpenUSD 20.08 that can be exploited through specially crafted files.
What is CVE-2020-13531?
The vulnerability arises from how Pixar OpenUSD 20.08 handles reference paths in textual USD files, allowing an attacker to execute arbitrary code by triggering memory corruption.
The Impact of CVE-2020-13531
- CVSS Base Score: 8.8 (High Severity)
- Attack Vector: Network
- Confidentiality Impact: High
- Integrity Impact: High
- Availability Impact: High
- User Interaction: Required
- Privileges Required: None
- Scope: Unchanged
- This vulnerability requires the victim to open a malicious file to exploit it.
Technical Details of CVE-2020-13531
This section provides more in-depth technical insights into the vulnerability.
Vulnerability Description
The use-after-free flaw in Pixar OpenUSD 20.08 allows for the reuse of freed memory, leading to memory corruption and potential arbitrary code execution.
Affected Systems and Versions
- Affected Product: Pixar
- Affected Version: Pixar OpenUSD 20.08, Apple macOS Catalina 10.15.6
Exploitation Mechanism
To exploit this vulnerability, an attacker needs to provide a specially crafted file that, when opened by the victim, triggers the reuse of freed memory.
Mitigation and Prevention
Protecting systems from CVE-2020-13531 requires immediate actions and long-term security practices.
Immediate Steps to Take
- Apply security patches promptly to mitigate the vulnerability.
- Avoid opening files from untrusted or unknown sources.
- Implement file type and content validation mechanisms.
Long-Term Security Practices
- Regularly update software and applications to the latest versions.
- Conduct security training for users on identifying and handling malicious files.
Patching and Updates
- Check for security updates from Pixar and apply them as soon as they are available to address the vulnerability.