CVE-2020-14398 : Security Advisory and Response
Discover the impact of CVE-2020-14398, a vulnerability in LibVNCServer before 0.9.13 that could lead to a denial of service condition. Learn about affected systems, exploitation, and mitigation steps.
An issue was discovered in LibVNCServer before 0.9.13. An improperly closed TCP connection causes an infinite loop in libvncclient/sockets.c.
Understanding CVE-2020-14398
This CVE involves a vulnerability in LibVNCServer that can lead to an infinite loop due to an improperly closed TCP connection.
What is CVE-2020-14398?
CVE-2020-14398 is a security vulnerability found in versions of LibVNCServer prior to 0.9.13. The issue arises from mishandling TCP connections, resulting in a loop in the libvncclient/sockets.c file.
The Impact of CVE-2020-14398
The vulnerability could be exploited by an attacker to cause a denial of service (DoS) condition on systems running affected versions of LibVNCServer. This could potentially lead to service unavailability or system crashes.
Technical Details of CVE-2020-14398
This section provides more in-depth technical details about the CVE.
Vulnerability Description
The vulnerability in LibVNCServer before 0.9.13 is triggered by an improperly closed TCP connection, leading to an infinite loop in the libvncclient/sockets.c file.
Affected Systems and Versions
- Product: Not applicable
- Vendor: Not applicable
- Versions affected: Not applicable
Exploitation Mechanism
The vulnerability can be exploited by an attacker sending specially crafted network packets to trigger the infinite loop in libvncclient/sockets.c, causing a DoS condition.
Mitigation and Prevention
Protecting systems from CVE-2020-14398 involves taking immediate steps and implementing long-term security practices.
Immediate Steps to Take
- Update LibVNCServer to version 0.9.13 or later to mitigate the vulnerability.
- Monitor network traffic for any signs of exploitation.
Long-Term Security Practices
- Regularly update and patch software to prevent known vulnerabilities.
- Implement network segmentation to limit the impact of potential attacks.
Patching and Updates
Ensure that all software and systems are regularly updated with the latest security patches to address vulnerabilities like CVE-2020-14398.