CVE-2020-26571 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

OpenSC before 0.21.0-rc1's gemsafe GPK smart card software driver is vulnerable to a stack-based buffer overflow in sc_pkcs15emu_gemsafeGPK_init.

Understanding CVE-2020-26571

This CVE involves a critical vulnerability in the gemsafe GPK smart card software driver in OpenSC.

What is CVE-2020-26571?

The gemsafe GPK smart card software driver in OpenSC before version 0.21.0-rc1 is susceptible to a stack-based buffer overflow in the sc_pkcs15emu_gemsafeGPK_init function.

The Impact of CVE-2020-26571

The vulnerability could allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code or crash the application, potentially leading to a denial of service (DoS) condition.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-26571

This section provides more in-depth technical insights into the CVE.

Vulnerability Description

The stack-based buffer overflow occurs in the sc_pkcs15emu_gemsafeGPK_init function of the gemsafe GPK smart card software driver in OpenSC.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Not applicable
Vendor: Not applicable
Versions affected: All versions before 0.21.0-rc1

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by crafting malicious input to trigger the buffer overflow, potentially leading to the execution of arbitrary code.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2020-26571 requires immediate action and long-term security measures.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update OpenSC to version 0.21.0-rc1 or later to mitigate the vulnerability.
Monitor vendor advisories and security mailing lists for patches and updates.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement secure coding practices to prevent buffer overflows and other memory-related vulnerabilities.
Conduct regular security assessments and penetration testing to identify and address potential vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Apply patches and updates provided by OpenSC promptly to address the stack-based buffer overflow vulnerability.