CVE-2020-26273 : Security Advisory and Response

osquery is a SQL powered operating system instrumentation, monitoring, and analytics framework. In osquery before version 4.6.0, a vulnerability exists where using sqlite's ATTACH verb allows someone with administrative access to cause reads and writes to arbitrary sqlite databases on disk. This could lead to the creation of arbitrary sqlite databases, although existing non-sqlite files cannot be overwritten. The issue has been addressed in osquery 4.6.0.

Understanding CVE-2020-26273

This CVE involves a vulnerability in osquery that could be exploited by an attacker with administrative access to perform unauthorized reads and writes to sqlite databases.

What is CVE-2020-26273?

CVE-2020-26273 is a security vulnerability in osquery versions prior to 4.6.0 that allows an attacker with administrative privileges to manipulate sqlite databases on disk using the ATTACH verb.

The Impact of CVE-2020-26273

The impact of this vulnerability is rated as MEDIUM with a CVSS base score of 5.2. It has low confidentiality and integrity impacts, requires low privileges, and has a changed scope. The attack complexity is low, and it can be exploited locally without user interaction.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-26273

In-depth technical information about the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in osquery before version 4.6.0 allows unauthorized access to sqlite databases on disk through the sqlite ATTACH verb, potentially leading to the creation of arbitrary sqlite databases.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: osquery
Vendor: osquery
Versions Affected: < 4.6.0

Exploitation Mechanism

By leveraging the sqlite ATTACH verb, an attacker with administrative access to osquery can read and write to arbitrary sqlite databases on disk, potentially causing security breaches.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protective measures to address the CVE-2020-26273 vulnerability.

Immediate Steps to Take

Upgrade osquery to version 4.6.0 or newer to mitigate the vulnerability.
Monitor and restrict administrative access to osquery to prevent unauthorized database manipulations.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement the principle of least privilege to limit access rights for users and processes.
Regularly review and update security configurations to address potential vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Apply patches and updates provided by osquery promptly to ensure the latest security fixes are in place.