CVE-2020-15888 : Security Advisory and Response
Learn about CVE-2020-15888 affecting Lua through 5.4.0, leading to heap-based buffer overflow and memory corruption. Find mitigation steps and long-term security practices.
Lua through 5.4.0 mishandles the interaction between stack resizes and garbage collection, leading to a heap-based buffer overflow, heap-based buffer over-read, or use-after-free.
Understanding CVE-2020-15888
Lua through version 5.4.0 is vulnerable to heap-based buffer overflow and other memory-related issues due to improper handling of stack resizes and garbage collection.
What is CVE-2020-15888?
This CVE describes a vulnerability in Lua versions up to 5.4.0 that can result in a heap-based buffer overflow, over-read, or use-after-free condition.
The Impact of CVE-2020-15888
The vulnerability can be exploited to execute arbitrary code, crash the application, or potentially gain unauthorized access to sensitive information.
Technical Details of CVE-2020-15888
Lua through 5.4.0 is susceptible to memory corruption due to improper handling of stack resizes and garbage collection.
Vulnerability Description
The issue arises from the incorrect interaction between stack resizes and garbage collection, leading to memory corruption vulnerabilities.
Affected Systems and Versions
- Product: Lua
- Vendor: N/A
- Versions affected: Lua versions up to 5.4.0
Exploitation Mechanism
Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by crafting malicious Lua scripts to trigger the heap-based buffer overflow or other memory-related issues.
Mitigation and Prevention
It is crucial to take immediate steps to mitigate the risks posed by CVE-2020-15888.
Immediate Steps to Take
- Update Lua to a patched version that addresses the memory handling issues.
- Monitor for any unusual behavior in Lua scripts that could indicate exploitation of the vulnerability.
Long-Term Security Practices
- Regularly update Lua and other software components to ensure the latest security patches are applied.
- Conduct security assessments and code reviews to identify and address potential vulnerabilities.
Patching and Updates
- Apply patches provided by Lua to fix the memory corruption vulnerability and prevent exploitation.