CVE-2020-15709 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies
Learn about CVE-2020-15709, a security flaw in add-apt-repository versions allowing PPA owners to manipulate terminal contents. Find mitigation steps and affected systems here.
Versions of add-apt-repository before 0.98.9.2, 0.96.24.32.14, 0.96.20.10, and 0.92.37.8ubuntu0.1~esm1 printed a PPA description to the terminal as-is, allowing PPA owners to modify terminal contents using ANSI terminal escapes.
Understanding CVE-2020-15709
This CVE involves a vulnerability in add-apt-repository that could be exploited by PPA owners to manipulate terminal contents.
What is CVE-2020-15709?
CVE-2020-15709 refers to a security flaw in add-apt-repository versions prior to specified releases that enabled PPA owners to use ANSI terminal escapes to alter terminal content unexpectedly.
The Impact of CVE-2020-15709
The vulnerability allowed malicious PPA owners to potentially execute arbitrary commands or deceive users by modifying terminal output.
Technical Details of CVE-2020-15709
The technical aspects of the CVE provide insight into the vulnerability's description, affected systems, versions, and exploitation mechanism.
Vulnerability Description
The flaw in add-apt-repository versions before 0.98.9.2, 0.96.24.32.14, 0.96.20.10, and 0.92.37.8ubuntu0.1~esm1 allowed direct printing of PPA descriptions to the terminal, enabling unauthorized modifications.
Affected Systems and Versions
- Product: add-apt-repository
- Vendor: Canonical
- Vulnerable Versions:
- 0.98.9.* (less than 0.98.9.2)
- 0.96.24.32.* (less than 0.96.24.32.14)
- 0.96.20.* (less than 0.96.20.10)
- 0.92.37.* (less than 0.92.37.8ubuntu0.1~esm1)
Exploitation Mechanism
PPA owners could exploit the vulnerability by injecting ANSI terminal escapes into PPA descriptions, leading to unauthorized modifications of terminal content.
Mitigation and Prevention
To address CVE-2020-15709, immediate steps and long-term security practices are essential.
Immediate Steps to Take
- Update add-apt-repository to versions 0.98.9.2, 0.96.24.32.14, 0.96.20.10, or 0.92.37.8ubuntu0.1~esm1.
- Avoid using untrusted PPAs.
Long-Term Security Practices
- Regularly update software to patched versions.
- Monitor and restrict terminal output modifications.
Patching and Updates
Apply patches provided by Canonical to fix the vulnerability and prevent unauthorized terminal content modifications.