CVE-2020-35914 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

An issue was discovered in the lock_api crate before 0.4.2 for Rust. A data race can occur because of RwLockWriteGuard unsoundness.

Understanding CVE-2020-35914

This CVE involves a vulnerability in the lock_api crate for Rust that can lead to a data race due to unsoundness in RwLockWriteGuard.

What is CVE-2020-35914?

The vulnerability in the lock_api crate before version 0.4.2 for Rust allows for the occurrence of a data race, posing a security risk.

The Impact of CVE-2020-35914

The vulnerability can be exploited to cause data races, potentially leading to unexpected behavior, crashes, or security breaches in Rust applications.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-35914

The technical aspects of this CVE are as follows:

Vulnerability Description

The issue arises from unsoundness in RwLockWriteGuard within the lock_api crate before version 0.4.2 for Rust.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Not applicable
Vendor: Not applicable
Versions affected: Not applicable

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability can be exploited by malicious actors to trigger data races in Rust applications, compromising their integrity and security.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2020-35914, consider the following steps:

Immediate Steps to Take

Update the lock_api crate to version 0.4.2 or later to mitigate the vulnerability.
Monitor for any unusual behavior in Rust applications that could indicate exploitation of the data race.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update dependencies and libraries in Rust projects to ensure the latest security patches are applied.
Conduct thorough testing and code reviews to identify and address potential vulnerabilities early.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security advisories and updates related to Rust crates and libraries to promptly address any new vulnerabilities.