CVE-2020-35506 Explained : Impact and Mitigation
Learn about CVE-2020-35506, a critical use-after-free vulnerability in QEMU before version 6.0.0, allowing a privileged guest user to crash the host's QEMU process.
A use-after-free vulnerability in the am53c974 SCSI host bus adapter emulation of QEMU before version 6.0.0 can lead to a denial of service or potential code execution.
Understanding CVE-2020-35506
This CVE involves a critical vulnerability in QEMU that could be exploited by a privileged guest user to crash the host's QEMU process.
What is CVE-2020-35506?
The vulnerability in the am53c974 SCSI host bus adapter emulation of QEMU before version 6.0.0 allows a privileged guest user to crash the QEMU process on the host, potentially leading to a denial of service or code execution.
The Impact of CVE-2020-35506
Exploitation of this vulnerability can result in a denial of service condition or enable an attacker to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the QEMU process.
Technical Details of CVE-2020-35506
This section provides more technical insights into the vulnerability.
Vulnerability Description
A use-after-free flaw in the am53c974 SCSI host bus adapter emulation of QEMU before version 6.0.0 occurs during the handling of the 'Information Transfer' command (CMD_TI), allowing a privileged guest user to crash the QEMU process on the host.
Affected Systems and Versions
- Product: QEMU
- Vendor: n/a
- Vulnerable Version: qemu 6.0.0
Exploitation Mechanism
The vulnerability can be exploited by a privileged guest user to crash the QEMU process on the host, potentially leading to a denial of service or code execution.
Mitigation and Prevention
Protecting systems from CVE-2020-35506 is crucial to maintaining security.
Immediate Steps to Take
- Update QEMU to version 6.0.0 or later to mitigate the vulnerability.
- Monitor for any unusual activity on the QEMU process that could indicate exploitation.
Long-Term Security Practices
- Regularly update and patch all software to prevent known vulnerabilities.
- Implement strong access controls to limit the impact of potential attacks.
Patching and Updates
- Apply patches and updates provided by QEMU promptly to address security issues.