CVE-2020-15397 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis
Learn about CVE-2020-15397 affecting HylaFAX+ through 7.0.2 and HylaFAX Enterprise. Understand the impact, affected systems, exploitation mechanism, and mitigation steps.
HylaFAX+ through 7.0.2 and HylaFAX Enterprise have scripts that execute binaries from directories writable by unprivileged users, allowing them to execute code in the context of the user calling these binaries.
Understanding CVE-2020-15397
This CVE involves a vulnerability in HylaFAX+ and HylaFAX Enterprise that enables unprivileged users to execute code with elevated privileges.
What is CVE-2020-15397?
HylaFAX+ through version 7.0.2 and HylaFAX Enterprise contain scripts that can run binaries from directories that are writable by unprivileged users, potentially leading to unauthorized code execution.
The Impact of CVE-2020-15397
The vulnerability allows unprivileged users to execute code in the context of the user running the binaries, often with root privileges, posing a significant security risk.
Technical Details of CVE-2020-15397
This section provides more in-depth technical insights into the CVE.
Vulnerability Description
The issue arises from scripts in HylaFAX+ and HylaFAX Enterprise that execute binaries from directories writable by unprivileged users, enabling unauthorized code execution.
Affected Systems and Versions
- HylaFAX+ through version 7.0.2
- HylaFAX Enterprise
Exploitation Mechanism
Unprivileged users can place malicious binaries in directories like /var/spool/hylafax, writable by the uucp account, and execute them to gain elevated privileges.
Mitigation and Prevention
Protect your systems from the CVE-2020-15397 vulnerability with the following measures.
Immediate Steps to Take
- Restrict write access to directories containing critical scripts and binaries.
- Regularly monitor and audit directory permissions to prevent unauthorized modifications.
- Implement the principle of least privilege to limit user capabilities.
Long-Term Security Practices
- Conduct regular security assessments and penetration testing to identify vulnerabilities.
- Educate users on secure coding practices and the risks of executing untrusted code.
Patching and Updates
- Apply patches and updates provided by HylaFAX to address the vulnerability and enhance system security.