CVE-2020-1989 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies
Learn about CVE-2020-1989, an incorrect privilege assignment vulnerability in Palo Alto Networks Global Protect Agent, enabling local privilege escalation on Linux ARM platforms. Find out the impact, affected versions, and mitigation steps.
An incorrect privilege assignment vulnerability in Palo Alto Networks Global Protect Agent allows local privilege escalation on Linux ARM platforms.
Understanding CVE-2020-1989
What is CVE-2020-1989?
This CVE involves an incorrect privilege assignment issue in the Global Protect Agent for Linux on ARM platform, enabling a local authenticated user to elevate privileges to root.
The Impact of CVE-2020-1989
The vulnerability has a CVSS base score of 7 (High severity), with high impacts on confidentiality, integrity, and availability.
Technical Details of CVE-2020-1989
Vulnerability Description
- The flaw allows a local authenticated user to gain root privileges by manipulating application-specific files.
Affected Systems and Versions
- Affected Versions: Global Protect Agent 5.0 versions < 5.0.8, 5.1 versions < 5.1.1.
- Platforms Affected: Linux ARM
Exploitation Mechanism
- Attack Complexity: High
- Attack Vector: Local
- Privileges Required: Low
- Scope: Unchanged
Mitigation and Prevention
Immediate Steps to Take
- Update Global Protect Agent to version 5.0.8 or 5.1.1 and above.
- Monitor system behavior for any unauthorized access.
- Apply the principle of least privilege.
Long-Term Security Practices
- Regularly review and update access control policies.
- Conduct regular security training for administrators and users.
Patching and Updates
- Palo Alto Networks has released fixed versions of Global Protect Agent, starting from 5.0.8 and 5.1.1.