CVE-2020-26284 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

Hugo is a fast and Flexible Static Site Generator built in Go. A vulnerability in versions prior to 0.79.1 allows execution of a binary from the current directory on Windows.

Understanding CVE-2020-26284

This CVE affects Hugo versions before 0.79.1, potentially leading to the execution of malicious commands on Windows systems.

What is CVE-2020-26284?

Hugo, a Static Site Generator, may inadvertently execute a malicious file with the same name as system binaries in the current working directory on Windows.

The Impact of CVE-2020-26284

The vulnerability poses a high severity risk with a CVSS base score of 7.7, allowing for command execution with high confidentiality and integrity impact.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-26284

The technical aspects of this CVE include:

Vulnerability Description

Hugo versions < 0.79.1 on Windows can execute a binary from the current directory, potentially leading to command injection.

Affected Systems and Versions

Hugo versions prior to 0.79.1 on Windows systems are vulnerable to this exploit.

Exploitation Mechanism

If a malicious file with the same name as system binaries (

exe

or

bat

) is present in the working directory, Hugo may execute the malicious command instead of the intended system one.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2020-26284, follow these steps:

Immediate Steps to Take

Upgrade Hugo to version 0.79.1 to mitigate the vulnerability.

Long-Term Security Practices

Avoid running Hugo in untrusted directories to prevent potential exploitation.

Patching and Updates

Regularly update Hugo to the latest version to ensure protection against known vulnerabilities.