CVE-2020-26279 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

A vulnerability in go-ipfs versions prior to 0.8.0-rc1 allows path traversal during retrieval, potentially leading to file overwrites or incorrect output directory writes.

Understanding CVE-2020-26279

This CVE involves a path traversal issue in go-ipfs versions before 0.8.0-rc1, impacting the integrity and confidentiality of files.

What is CVE-2020-26279?

go-ipfs, an open-source golang implementation of IPFS, is susceptible to path traversal when handling DAGs with relative paths during retrieval.

The Impact of CVE-2020-26279

The vulnerability can result in files being overwritten or written to unintended directories, affecting data integrity and confidentiality.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-26279

This section provides detailed technical information about the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The issue arises from path traversal in go-ipfs, allowing unauthorized access to files and directories.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: go-ipfs
Vendor: ipfs
Versions Affected: < 0.8.0-rc1

Exploitation Mechanism

Attack Complexity: High
Attack Vector: Network
Privileges Required: Low
User Interaction: Required
Scope: Changed
CVSS Base Score: 7.7 (High)
Vector String: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:H/PR:L/UI:R/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:N

Mitigation and Prevention

Protect your systems from CVE-2020-26279 with the following steps:

Immediate Steps to Take

Update go-ipfs to version 0.8.0-rc1 or later to mitigate the vulnerability.
Monitor for any unauthorized access or file modifications.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement secure coding practices to prevent path traversal vulnerabilities.
Regularly audit and review file access permissions to restrict unauthorized access.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security advisories and updates from the vendor.
Apply patches promptly to address known vulnerabilities.