CVE-2020-28086 Explained : Impact and Mitigation
Learn about CVE-2020-28086, a vulnerability in pass through 1.7.3 that could allow attackers to manipulate password files in Git repositories, leading to potential unauthorized access. Find mitigation steps and preventive measures here.
pass through 1.7.3 has a possibility of using a password for an unintended resource. For exploitation to occur, the user must do a git pull, decrypt a password, and log into a remote service with the password. If an attacker controls the central Git server or one of the other members' machines, and also controls one of the services already in the password store, they can rename one of the password files in the Git repository to something else: pass doesn't correctly verify that the content of a file matches the filename, so a user might be tricked into decrypting the wrong password and sending that to a service that the attacker controls. NOTE: for environments in which this threat model is of concern, signing commits can be a solution.
Understanding CVE-2020-28086
pass through 1.7.3 vulnerability with potential password misuse.
What is CVE-2020-28086?
CVE-2020-28086 refers to a vulnerability in pass through 1.7.3 that could lead to the misuse of passwords for unintended resources.
The Impact of CVE-2020-28086
The vulnerability could allow an attacker to manipulate password files in the Git repository, leading to the decryption of incorrect passwords and potential unauthorized access to services.
Technical Details of CVE-2020-28086
Details of the vulnerability in pass through 1.7.3.
Vulnerability Description
- Exploitation requires a git pull, password decryption, and logging into a remote service with the password.
- Attackers controlling Git servers or machines can rename password files, tricking users into decrypting wrong passwords.
Affected Systems and Versions
- Product: n/a
- Version: pass through 1.7.3
Exploitation Mechanism
- Attacker control of Git server or machines
- Renaming password files in the Git repository
Mitigation and Prevention
Steps to address and prevent the CVE-2020-28086 vulnerability.
Immediate Steps to Take
- Regularly monitor Git repositories for unauthorized changes
- Implement multi-factor authentication for enhanced security
Long-Term Security Practices
- Educate users on secure password management
- Conduct regular security audits and penetration testing
Patching and Updates
- Apply patches and updates provided by the software vendor