CVE-2020-27350 : What You Need to Know

APT had several integer overflows and underflows while parsing .deb packages, affecting specific versions of apt on Ubuntu. This vulnerability was discovered by Kevin Backhouse.

Understanding CVE-2020-27350

This CVE involves integer overflows and underflows in the APT package manager on Ubuntu systems.

What is CVE-2020-27350?

CVE-2020-27350, also known as 'apt integer wraparound,' is a vulnerability in the APT package manager on Ubuntu systems due to integer overflows and underflows while parsing .deb packages.

The Impact of CVE-2020-27350

The vulnerability has a CVSS base score of 5.7, indicating a medium severity issue. It requires high privileges for exploitation and can lead to local attacks with low confidentiality, integrity, and availability impacts.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-27350

This section provides more in-depth technical information about the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The integer overflows and underflows occur in specific files within the APT package manager, leading to potential security risks.

Affected Systems and Versions

Versions affected include apt 1.2.32ubuntu0, 1.6.12ubuntu0, 2.0.2ubuntu0, and 2.1.10ubuntu0.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attack Complexity: Low
Attack Vector: Local
Privileges Required: High
User Interaction: None
Scope: Changed

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2020-27350 and enhance system security, follow these mitigation strategies:

Immediate Steps to Take

Update APT to the patched versions provided by the vendor.
Monitor for any unusual activities on the system.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update software and packages to the latest versions.
Implement least privilege access controls to limit the impact of potential vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Apply security patches promptly to ensure protection against known vulnerabilities.