CVE-2020-1951 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

Apache Tika 1.0-1.23 Vulnerability

Understanding CVE-2020-1951

Apache Tika version 1.0-1.23 is susceptible to an Infinite Loop (DoS) vulnerability due to a specific issue in the PSDParser component.

What is CVE-2020-1951?

The vulnerability in Apache Tika's PSDParser can be exploited by a carefully crafted or corrupt PSD file to trigger an infinite loop, potentially leading to a denial of service (DoS) condition.

The Impact of CVE-2020-1951

If exploited, this vulnerability could allow an attacker to exhaust system resources by causing the application to enter an infinite loop. This could result in the unresponsiveness of the Apache Tika service, affecting system availability.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-1951

Apache Tika Vulnerability Overview

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in Apache Tika's PSDParser in versions 1.0-1.23 can be triggered by manipulating a PSD file to induce an infinite loop, impacting the application's functionality.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Apache Tika
Versions: Apache Tika 1.0-1.23

Exploitation Mechanism

By crafting a malicious or corrupted PSD file and submitting it to Apache Tika, an attacker can exploit the vulnerability in the PSDParser component to cause the application to loop indefinitely, potentially leading to a denial of service.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting Against CVE-2020-1951

Immediate Steps to Take

Update Apache Tika to a patched version that addresses the PSDParser vulnerability.
Implement file upload restrictions to prevent malicious PSD files from reaching the application.
Monitor system resources for any unusual spikes in usage that may indicate an ongoing DoS attack.

Long-Term Security Practices

Conduct regular security assessments and code reviews to identify and address vulnerabilities in the application code.
Educate developers on secure coding practices to prevent the introduction of similar vulnerabilities in future releases.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security updates released by Apache Tika and promptly apply patches to address known vulnerabilities and enhance the overall security posture of the application.