CVE-2020-17381 Explained : Impact and Mitigation
Learn about CVE-2020-17381, a vulnerability in Ghisler Total Commander 9.51 allowing attackers to elevate privileges by replacing a binary file. Find mitigation steps and prevention measures.
This CVE record pertains to an issue discovered in Ghisler Total Commander 9.51 that allows attackers to elevate privileges due to insufficient access restrictions in the default installation directory.
Understanding CVE-2020-17381
What is CVE-2020-17381?
CVE-2020-17381 is a vulnerability found in Ghisler Total Commander 9.51 that enables privilege escalation through the replacement of a specific binary file.
The Impact of CVE-2020-17381
This vulnerability can be exploited by attackers to gain elevated privileges on the affected system, potentially leading to unauthorized access and control.
Technical Details of CVE-2020-17381
Vulnerability Description
The issue arises from inadequate access controls in the default installation directory, allowing malicious actors to replace a critical binary file and escalate their privileges.
Affected Systems and Versions
- Vendor: n/a
- Product: n/a
- Affected Version: n/a
Exploitation Mechanism
Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by replacing the TOTALCMD64.EXE binary in the %SYSTEMDRIVE%\totalcmd\ directory, thereby gaining elevated privileges.
Mitigation and Prevention
Immediate Steps to Take
- Monitor system directories for unauthorized changes
- Implement least privilege access controls
- Regularly update and patch Total Commander
Long-Term Security Practices
- Conduct regular security audits and assessments
- Educate users on safe computing practices
- Employ intrusion detection systems
Patching and Updates
Ensure that Total Commander is updated to the latest version to mitigate the vulnerability.