CVE-2020-13974 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

An issue was discovered in the Linux kernel 4.4 through 5.7.1 in drivers/tty/vt/keyboard.c, leading to an integer overflow vulnerability.

Understanding CVE-2020-13974

This CVE identifies a specific vulnerability in the Linux kernel versions mentioned.

What is CVE-2020-13974?

The CVE-2020-13974 vulnerability is an integer overflow issue in the Linux kernel's keyboard driver that occurs when the k_ascii function is repeatedly called.

The Impact of CVE-2020-13974

The integer overflow vulnerability in drivers/tty/vt/keyboard.c could potentially lead to security issues, although some community members dispute this claim.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-13974

This section provides more in-depth technical information about the CVE.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises due to an integer overflow in the keyboard driver (drivers/tty/vt/keyboard.c) when the k_ascii function is invoked multiple times consecutively.

Affected Systems and Versions

Linux kernel versions 4.4 through 5.7.1 are affected by this vulnerability.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers could potentially exploit this vulnerability by triggering the integer overflow through repeated calls to the k_ascii function.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2020-13974 requires specific actions to mitigate the risk.

Immediate Steps to Take

Monitor vendor advisories and apply patches promptly.
Implement proper input validation mechanisms to prevent integer overflow vulnerabilities.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update the Linux kernel to the latest stable version.
Conduct security audits and code reviews to identify and address potential vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Apply patches provided by Linux distributions and kernel developers to address the CVE-2020-13974 vulnerability.