CVE-2020-1976 Explained : Impact and Mitigation
Learn about CVE-2020-1976, a medium-severity DoS vulnerability in Palo Alto Networks GlobalProtect on Mac OS. Discover impact, affected versions, and mitigation steps.
A denial-of-service (DoS) vulnerability in Palo Alto Networks GlobalProtect software running on Mac OS allows authenticated local users to cause the Mac OS kernel to hang or crash.
Understanding CVE-2020-1976
This CVE involves a local denial-of-service (DoS) vulnerability affecting Palo Alto Networks' GlobalProtect application on Mac OS.
What is CVE-2020-1976?
The vulnerability in GlobalProtect on Mac OS could be exploited by authenticated local users to trigger a DoS situation by causing the Mac OS kernel to hang or crash. This issue impacts GlobalProtect 5.0.5 and earlier versions on Mac OS.
The Impact of CVE-2020-1976
The vulnerability's impact is considered medium with a CVSS base score of 4.7. The availability impact is high as authenticated local users can disrupt the normal functioning of the Mac OS by triggering system crashes.
Technical Details of CVE-2020-1976
This section provides detailed technical information about the CVE.
Vulnerability Description
The vulnerability allows authenticated local users to perform a DoS attack on the Mac OS kernel by exploiting GlobalProtect software versions 5.0.5 and earlier on Mac OS.
Affected Systems and Versions
- Affected Platform: Mac OS
- Affected Product: GlobalProtect
- Affected Versions: GlobalProtect 5.0.5 and earlier versions of 5.0 on Mac OS
Exploitation Mechanism
The vulnerability can be exploited by authenticated local users to cause the Mac OS kernel to hang or crash, impacting the availability of the system.
Mitigation and Prevention
Effective mitigation and prevention strategies are crucial to address CVE-2020-1976.
Immediate Steps to Take
- Update GlobalProtect to version 5.0.6 or higher to address the vulnerability.
- Monitor system logs for any suspicious activities.
Long-Term Security Practices
- Conduct regular security audits to identify and remediate vulnerabilities.
- Implement the principle of least privilege for user access.
- Educate users on best security practices and the importance of software updates.
Patching and Updates
- Apply patches and updates provided by Palo Alto Networks promptly to secure the GlobalProtect software.