CVE-2020-36434 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

An issue was discovered in the sys-info crate before 0.8.0 for Rust where sys_info::disk_info calls can trigger a double free.

Understanding CVE-2020-36434

This CVE involves a vulnerability in the sys-info crate for Rust that can lead to a double free when certain disk_info calls are made.

What is CVE-2020-36434?

CVE-2020-36434 is a vulnerability found in the sys-info crate before version 0.8.0 for Rust, allowing malicious actors to trigger a double free through specific disk_info calls.

The Impact of CVE-2020-36434

The vulnerability could potentially lead to a denial of service (DoS) condition or arbitrary code execution if successfully exploited.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-36434

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

Vulnerability Description

The issue in the sys-info crate allows for a double free to be triggered by certain disk_info calls, potentially leading to memory corruption.

Affected Systems and Versions

Affected Version: sys-info crate before 0.8.0 for Rust

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability can be exploited by crafting specific disk_info calls to trigger the double free condition.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2020-36434 requires immediate actions and long-term security practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update the sys-info crate to version 0.8.0 or newer to mitigate the vulnerability.
Monitor for any unusual disk_info calls that could potentially exploit the double free issue.

Long-Term Security Practices

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

Patching and Updates

Apply patches and updates promptly to address known vulnerabilities and enhance system security.