CVE-2020-20813 : Security Advisory and Response

OpenVPN Control Channel Vulnerability

Understanding CVE-2020-20813

This CVE involves a vulnerability in OpenVPN that could be exploited by remote attackers to cause a denial of service.

What is CVE-2020-20813?

The CVE-2020-20813 vulnerability specifically affects OpenVPN versions 2.4.7 and earlier. It allows remote attackers to trigger a denial of service by sending a specially crafted reset packet through the control channel.

The Impact of CVE-2020-20813

The exploitation of this vulnerability can lead to a denial of service, disrupting the availability of the OpenVPN service and potentially affecting network connectivity and communication.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-20813

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability lies in the handling of reset packets in the control channel of OpenVPN, which can be abused by attackers to disrupt the service.

Affected Systems and Versions

OpenVPN versions 2.4.7 and earlier are vulnerable to this issue.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by sending specially crafted reset packets through the control channel, causing the service to crash or become unresponsive.

Mitigation and Prevention

Immediate Steps to Take

Update OpenVPN to the latest version to patch the vulnerability.
Monitor network traffic for any suspicious activity targeting the OpenVPN control channel.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update and patch all software and systems to prevent known vulnerabilities.
Implement network segmentation and access controls to limit the impact of potential attacks.

Patching and Updates

It is crucial to stay informed about security updates released by OpenVPN and promptly apply patches to ensure the protection of the system against known vulnerabilities.