CVE-2020-14385 : What You Need to Know

A flaw in the Linux Kernel before 5.9-rc4 can lead to denial of service due to a failure in the XFS file system metadata validator.

Understanding CVE-2020-14385

This CVE involves a vulnerability in the Linux Kernel that can impact system availability.

What is CVE-2020-14385?

The flaw in the Linux Kernel before 5.9-rc4 can cause an inode with a valid extended attribute to be marked as corrupt.
This issue can result in the filesystem being shut down or rendered inaccessible until remounted, leading to a denial of service.

The Impact of CVE-2020-14385

CVSS Base Score: 5.5 (Medium Severity)
Attack Vector: Local
Attack Complexity: Low
Availability Impact: High
The primary threat from this vulnerability is to system availability.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-14385

This section provides detailed technical information about the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The failure of the XFS file system metadata validator can flag a valid inode with an extended attribute as corrupt.

Affected Systems and Versions

Affected Product: Linux Kernel
Affected Versions: Before 5.9-rc4

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability can be exploited locally without requiring privileges.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protect your systems from CVE-2020-14385 with the following steps:

Immediate Steps to Take

Monitor official sources for patches and updates.
Apply relevant security patches promptly.
Consider restricting access to vulnerable systems.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update and patch your Linux Kernel.
Implement secure coding practices to prevent similar vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security advisories from Linux Kernel and related vendors.