CVE-2020-17368 : Security Advisory and Response

Firejail through 0.9.62 mishandles shell metacharacters during use of the --output or --output-stderr option, which may lead to command injection.

Understanding CVE-2020-17368

This CVE involves a vulnerability in Firejail that could potentially lead to command injection due to mishandling of shell metacharacters.

What is CVE-2020-17368?

CVE-2020-17368 is a security vulnerability in Firejail versions up to 0.9.62 that allows for the injection of commands through the --output or --output-stderr option.

The Impact of CVE-2020-17368

The mishandling of shell metacharacters in Firejail could be exploited by attackers to execute arbitrary commands on the system, leading to unauthorized access or data breaches.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-17368

This section provides more in-depth technical information about the CVE.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in Firejail allows for the injection of commands through the --output or --output-stderr option, posing a risk of command injection.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Not applicable
Vendor: Not applicable
Versions affected: Up to 0.9.62

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability arises from the mishandling of shell metacharacters during the use of specific options in Firejail, enabling attackers to inject and execute malicious commands.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2020-17368 requires immediate actions and long-term security practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update Firejail to a patched version that addresses the vulnerability.
Avoid using the --output or --output-stderr options until the system is patched.
Monitor system logs for any suspicious activities that could indicate exploitation.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update and patch all software to prevent known vulnerabilities.
Implement least privilege access to limit the impact of potential security breaches.
Conduct security audits and penetration testing to identify and address vulnerabilities proactively.

Patching and Updates

Ensure that Firejail is regularly updated to the latest version to mitigate the risk of command injection through the mishandling of shell metacharacters.