CVE-2020-35898 : Security Advisory and Response

An issue was discovered in the actix-utils crate before 2.0.0 for Rust where the Cell implementation allows obtaining more than one mutable reference to the same data.

Understanding CVE-2020-35898

This CVE involves a vulnerability in the actix-utils crate for Rust that allows multiple mutable references to the same data.

What is CVE-2020-35898?

The vulnerability in the actix-utils crate before version 2.0.0 for Rust enables the acquisition of more than one mutable reference to identical data, potentially leading to unexpected behavior or security risks.

The Impact of CVE-2020-35898

The vulnerability could be exploited by malicious actors to manipulate data or cause unexpected program behavior, posing a risk to the integrity and security of affected systems.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-35898

This section provides detailed technical information about the CVE.

Vulnerability Description

The issue in the actix-utils crate allows for the retrieval of multiple mutable references to the same data, which can lead to data corruption or unauthorized access.

Affected Systems and Versions

Affected Systems: Not applicable
Affected Versions: actix-utils crate versions before 2.0.0 for Rust

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability can be exploited by an attacker to gain multiple mutable references to the same data, potentially enabling unauthorized access or data manipulation.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2020-35898 involves taking immediate steps and implementing long-term security practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update to version 2.0.0 or later of the actix-utils crate to mitigate the vulnerability.
Monitor for any unusual behavior that could indicate exploitation of the vulnerability.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update software components and libraries to ensure the latest security patches are applied.
Conduct security audits and code reviews to identify and address vulnerabilities proactively.

Patching and Updates

Ensure that all software components, including the actix-utils crate, are regularly updated to the latest versions containing security patches.