CVE-2020-28008 : Security Advisory and Response

Exim 4 before 4.94.2 allows Execution with Unnecessary Privileges. An attacker can exploit this vulnerability to execute commands indirectly by manipulating recipient addresses.

Understanding CVE-2020-28008

What is CVE-2020-28008?

Exim 4 before 4.94.2 vulnerability allows attackers to execute commands by exploiting the way Exim operates with unnecessary privileges.

The Impact of CVE-2020-28008

This vulnerability can lead to unauthorized command execution on systems running Exim 4 before version 4.94.2.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-28008

Vulnerability Description

Exim 4 before 4.94.2 allows attackers to execute commands by manipulating recipient addresses.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Exim 4
Versions affected: All versions before 4.94.2

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can write to a specific spool header file, leading to command execution.

Mitigation and Prevention

Immediate Steps to Take

Update Exim to version 4.94.2 or later.
Monitor system logs for any suspicious activities.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement the principle of least privilege to limit the impact of potential vulnerabilities.
Regularly review and update security configurations.

Patching and Updates

Apply security patches promptly to prevent exploitation of known vulnerabilities.