CVE-2020-27796 Explained : Impact and Mitigation
Learn about CVE-2020-27796, a heap-based buffer over-read vulnerability in UPX 4.0.0 via a crafted Mach-O file. Find out the impact, affected systems, exploitation mechanism, and mitigation steps.
A heap-based buffer over-read vulnerability was found in UPX 4.0.0, allowing attackers to exploit it via a crafted Mach-O file.
Understanding CVE-2020-27796
This CVE involves a specific vulnerability in the UPX software.
What is CVE-2020-27796?
The CVE-2020-27796 is a heap-based buffer over-read vulnerability in the invert_pt_dynamic function in p_lx_elf.cpp in UPX 4.0.0 when processing a malicious Mach-O file.
The Impact of CVE-2020-27796
This vulnerability could be exploited by an attacker to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service by crashing the application.
Technical Details of CVE-2020-27796
This section provides more technical insights into the CVE.
Vulnerability Description
A heap-based buffer over-read was discovered in the invert_pt_dynamic function in p_lx_elf.cpp in UPX 4.0.0 via a crafted Mach-O file.
Affected Systems and Versions
- Product: UPX
- Version: upx 4.0.0-git-87b73e5cfdc1+
Exploitation Mechanism
The vulnerability can be exploited by an attacker using a specially crafted Mach-O file to trigger the heap-based buffer over-read.
Mitigation and Prevention
Protecting systems from CVE-2020-27796 is crucial to maintaining security.
Immediate Steps to Take
- Update UPX to a patched version that addresses the heap-based buffer over-read vulnerability.
- Avoid opening untrusted Mach-O files.
Long-Term Security Practices
- Regularly update software and apply security patches.
- Implement proper input validation to prevent buffer over-read vulnerabilities.
Patching and Updates
Ensure that UPX is regularly updated to the latest version to mitigate known vulnerabilities.