CVE-2020-29660 : What You Need to Know

A locking inconsistency issue in the tty subsystem of the Linux kernel through version 5.9.13 could lead to a read-after-free attack against TIOCGSID.

Understanding CVE-2020-29660

This CVE involves a vulnerability in the Linux kernel that could be exploited for a read-after-free attack.

What is CVE-2020-29660?

This CVE identifies a locking inconsistency problem in the tty subsystem of the Linux kernel, specifically in drivers/tty/tty_io.c and drivers/tty/tty_jobctrl.c, allowing a read-after-free attack against TIOCGSID.

The Impact of CVE-2020-29660

The vulnerability could be exploited by attackers to execute arbitrary code or crash the system, potentially leading to a denial of service (DoS) condition.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-29660

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

Vulnerability Description

The issue arises from a locking inconsistency in the tty subsystem of the Linux kernel, potentially enabling a read-after-free attack.

Affected Systems and Versions

Affected versions: Linux kernel through 5.9.13

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers may exploit this vulnerability to trigger a read-after-free attack against TIOCGSID, which could result in unauthorized code execution or system crashes.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2020-29660 requires immediate actions and long-term security measures.

Immediate Steps to Take

Apply patches provided by the Linux kernel maintainers promptly.
Monitor security advisories for updates and follow best practices for secure coding.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update the Linux kernel to the latest stable version.
Implement secure coding practices and conduct regular security audits.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security patches released by the Linux kernel community.
Apply patches promptly to mitigate the risk of exploitation.