CVE-2020-17365 : What You Need to Know

Hotspot Shield VPN client software for Windows 10.3.0 and earlier is affected by improper directory permissions, potentially enabling privilege escalation via local access.

Understanding CVE-2020-17365

The vulnerability in Hotspot Shield VPN client software for Windows 10.3.0 and earlier allows a local user to corrupt system files through a specially crafted symbolic link.

What is CVE-2020-17365?

The vulnerability arises from improper directory permissions in the Hotspot Shield VPN client software for Windows 10.3.0 and earlier, enabling an authorized user to potentially escalate privileges via local access.

The Impact of CVE-2020-17365

The vulnerability allows a local user to corrupt system files by creating a specially crafted symbolic link to a critical file on the system and overwriting it with the application's privileges.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-17365

The technical details of the CVE-2020-17365 vulnerability are as follows:

Vulnerability Description

Improper directory permissions in Hotspot Shield VPN client software

Affected Systems and Versions

Hotspot Shield VPN client software for Windows 10.3.0 and earlier

Exploitation Mechanism

Local user can create a specially crafted symbolic link to a critical file on the system and overwrite it with application privileges

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2020-17365, consider the following steps:

Immediate Steps to Take

Update Hotspot Shield VPN client software to the latest version
Monitor system files for unauthorized changes

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement the principle of least privilege for user accounts
Regularly review and adjust directory permissions

Patching and Updates

Apply security patches and updates provided by the software vendor