CVE-2020-24264 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

Portainer 1.24.1 and earlier versions are affected by incorrect access control, potentially leading to remote arbitrary code execution and Docker host machine takeover.

Understanding CVE-2020-24264

Portainer versions 1.24.1 and below have a vulnerability that allows unauthorized access control, enabling the execution of arbitrary code remotely.

What is CVE-2020-24264?

Portainer 1.24.1 and earlier versions suffer from a flaw in access control, specifically related to bind mounts, which can be exploited to execute arbitrary code remotely.

The Impact of CVE-2020-24264

The vulnerability in Portainer can result in the complete takeover of the Docker host machine by spawning a container with bind mount, allowing an attacker to break out of the container.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-24264

Portainer's vulnerability in access control and bind mounts can have severe consequences.

Vulnerability Description

Incorrect access control in Portainer versions 1.24.1 and earlier
Bind mount restriction checks applied only on the client-side, not server-side
Allows spawning a container with bind mount, leading to potential code execution

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Portainer
Vendor: N/A
Versions affected: 1.24.1 and earlier

Exploitation Mechanism

Lack of proper access control checks on the server-side
Exploitation through spawning a container with bind mount
Potential for remote arbitrary code execution and Docker host machine takeover

Mitigation and Prevention

It is crucial to take immediate steps to address and prevent the exploitation of CVE-2020-24264.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update Portainer to the latest patched version
Implement proper access control measures
Monitor and restrict container spawning with bind mounts

Long-Term Security Practices

Regular security assessments and audits
Employee training on secure coding practices
Implement network segmentation and isolation

Patching and Updates

Apply security patches promptly
Stay informed about security advisories and updates from Portainer