CVE-2020-36566 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

CVE-2020-36566 is a vulnerability related to path traversal in github.com/whyrusleeping/tar-utils.

Understanding CVE-2020-36566

This CVE involves improper path sanitization in archives, potentially leading to files being written or overwritten outside the intended directory.

What is CVE-2020-36566?

The vulnerability allows for the traversal of file paths, enabling an attacker to manipulate file operations beyond the designated directory.

The Impact of CVE-2020-36566

The impact includes unauthorized access to sensitive files, potential data breaches, and the execution of malicious code.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-36566

The technical aspects of this CVE are as follows:

Vulnerability Description

Improper path sanitization in archives
Risk of files being written outside the target directory

Affected Systems and Versions

Vendor: github.com/whyrusleeping/tar-utils
Affected Product: github.com/whyrusleeping/tar-utils
Versions: Less than 0.0.0-20201201191210-20a61371de5b
Program Routines: Extractor.outputPath, Extractor.Extract

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability can be exploited by crafting malicious archives containing relative file paths to traverse directories and perform unauthorized file operations.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2020-36566, consider the following steps:

Immediate Steps to Take

Update the affected software to a patched version
Implement input validation to sanitize file paths
Monitor file operations for suspicious activities

Long-Term Security Practices

Conduct regular security audits and code reviews
Train developers on secure coding practices
Employ least privilege principles for file operations

Patching and Updates

Apply security patches provided by the vendor
Stay informed about security advisories and updates