CVE-2020-24330 : What You Need to Know

An issue was discovered in TrouSerS through 0.3.14. If the tcsd daemon is started with root privileges instead of by the tss user, it fails to drop the root gid privilege when no longer needed.

Understanding CVE-2020-24330

This CVE identifies a vulnerability in TrouSerS version 0.3.14 related to privilege management in the tcsd daemon.

What is CVE-2020-24330?

The vulnerability in TrouSerS through version 0.3.14 allows the tcsd daemon to retain root privileges when started with root privileges instead of by the tss user, potentially leading to unauthorized access and privilege escalation.

The Impact of CVE-2020-24330

The impact of this vulnerability includes the risk of unauthorized users gaining elevated privileges on the system, potentially compromising its security and integrity.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-24330

This section delves into the technical aspects of the CVE.

Vulnerability Description

The issue arises when the tcsd daemon is initiated with root privileges, failing to relinquish the root gid privilege when no longer necessary, leaving the system vulnerable to exploitation.

Affected Systems and Versions

TrouSerS versions up to 0.3.14 are affected by this vulnerability.

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability can be exploited by initiating the tcsd daemon with root privileges, allowing unauthorized users to potentially exploit the retained root gid privilege.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2020-24330 requires immediate actions and long-term security practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Avoid running the tcsd daemon with root privileges unless necessary.
Regularly monitor and audit the privileges assigned to the tcsd daemon.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement the principle of least privilege to restrict unnecessary access rights.
Conduct regular security assessments and updates to identify and address vulnerabilities promptly.

Patching and Updates

Apply patches or updates provided by TrouSerS to mitigate the vulnerability and enhance system security.