CVE-2020-20211 Explained : Impact and Mitigation
Learn about CVE-2020-20211 affecting Mikrotik RouterOs 6.44.5. Find out how an assertion failure vulnerability can lead to a Denial of Service attack and steps to mitigate the risk.
Mikrotik RouterOs 6.44.5 (long-term tree) is affected by an assertion failure vulnerability in the /nova/bin/console process, potentially leading to a Denial of Service attack.
Understanding CVE-2020-20211
This CVE entry describes a specific vulnerability in Mikrotik RouterOs 6.44.5 that can be exploited by authenticated remote attackers.
What is CVE-2020-20211?
The vulnerability in Mikrotik RouterOs 6.44.5 allows an authenticated remote attacker to trigger a Denial of Service condition through a crafted packet, resulting from an assertion failure in the /nova/bin/console process.
The Impact of CVE-2020-20211
The exploitation of this vulnerability can lead to a Denial of Service attack, disrupting the normal operation of the affected system.
Technical Details of CVE-2020-20211
This section provides more in-depth technical details about the vulnerability.
Vulnerability Description
The vulnerability in Mikrotik RouterOs 6.44.5 arises from an assertion failure in the /nova/bin/console process, which can be exploited by authenticated remote attackers.
Affected Systems and Versions
- Product: Mikrotik RouterOs 6.44.5 (long-term tree)
- Vendor: Mikrotik
- Version: Not applicable
Exploitation Mechanism
An authenticated remote attacker can exploit this vulnerability by sending a specially crafted packet to the /nova/bin/console process, triggering the assertion failure and causing a Denial of Service.
Mitigation and Prevention
To address CVE-2020-20211, it is crucial to take immediate steps and implement long-term security practices.
Immediate Steps to Take
- Apply vendor-supplied patches or updates promptly.
- Monitor network traffic for any signs of exploitation.
- Restrict network access to vulnerable systems.
Long-Term Security Practices
- Regularly update and patch all software and firmware.
- Conduct security assessments and penetration testing.
- Educate users on safe computing practices.
Patching and Updates
Ensure that the Mikrotik RouterOs 6.44.5 (long-term tree) is updated with the latest patches provided by the vendor.