CVE-2020-24619 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

Shotcut before version 20.09.13 is vulnerable to a TLS misuse issue in mainwindow.cpp, potentially allowing a man-in-the-middle attacker to provide a spoofed download resource.

Understanding CVE-2020-24619

In this CVE, Shotcut's upgrade check in mainwindow.cpp misuses TLS due to setPeerVerifyMode(QSslSocket::VerifyNone), creating a security vulnerability.

What is CVE-2020-24619?

The vulnerability in Shotcut before version 20.09.13 allows a potential man-in-the-middle attacker to offer a spoofed download resource by exploiting the TLS misuse in the upgrade check.

The Impact of CVE-2020-24619

The impact of this vulnerability is the potential for a malicious actor to intercept and manipulate the download process, leading to the installation of unauthorized or malicious software on affected systems.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-24619

Shotcut before version 20.09.13 is affected by a specific vulnerability related to TLS misuse in the upgrade check.

Vulnerability Description

The issue arises from the incorrect implementation of TLS in mainwindow.cpp, specifically due to the misuse of setPeerVerifyMode(QSslSocket::VerifyNone), which weakens the security of the upgrade check process.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Shotcut
Vendor: N/A
Versions affected: All versions before 20.09.13

Exploitation Mechanism

A man-in-the-middle attacker can exploit this vulnerability by offering a spoofed download resource during the upgrade check, potentially leading to unauthorized software installation.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2020-24619 and enhance security, follow these mitigation steps:

Immediate Steps to Take

Update Shotcut to version 20.09.13 or later to mitigate the TLS misuse vulnerability.
Avoid downloading software from untrusted sources to prevent potential man-in-the-middle attacks.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update software and apply security patches to protect against known vulnerabilities.
Implement secure communication protocols and practices to prevent unauthorized access and data interception.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security updates and patches released by Shotcut to address vulnerabilities like the TLS misuse issue in CVE-2020-24619.