CVE-2020-28046 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

An issue was discovered in ProlinOS through 2.4.161.8859R. An attacker with local code execution privileges as a normal user (MAINAPP) can escalate to root privileges by exploiting the setuid installation of the xtables-multi binary and leveraging the ip6tables --modprobe switch.

Understanding CVE-2020-28046

This CVE identifies a privilege escalation vulnerability in ProlinOS.

What is CVE-2020-28046?

The vulnerability allows a local attacker to elevate their privileges from a normal user to root by manipulating specific binaries.

The Impact of CVE-2020-28046

The exploitation of this vulnerability can lead to unauthorized access and control over the affected system, posing a significant security risk.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-28046

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

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises from the setuid installation of the xtables-multi binary in ProlinOS, enabling unauthorized privilege escalation.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: ProlinOS
Versions affected: through 2.4.161.8859R

Exploitation Mechanism

The attacker leverages the ip6tables --modprobe switch to exploit the setuid installation of the xtables-multi binary, allowing the escalation of privileges.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2020-28046 requires immediate actions and long-term security measures.

Immediate Steps to Take

Disable unnecessary setuid permissions on binaries to limit privilege escalation opportunities.
Monitor system logs for any suspicious activities related to privilege escalation.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement the principle of least privilege to restrict users' access rights.
Regularly update and patch the system to address known vulnerabilities and enhance security.

Patching and Updates

Apply patches provided by the vendor to fix the vulnerability and prevent exploitation.