CVE-2020-36770 : What You Need to Know

This CVE record discusses a vulnerability in the Gentoo ebuild for Slurm that could allow unauthorized access to root-owned files.

Understanding CVE-2020-36770

This CVE identifies a security issue in the way the Gentoo ebuild for Slurm handles file ownership, potentially enabling privilege escalation.

What is CVE-2020-36770?

The vulnerability in pkg_postinst in the Gentoo ebuild for Slurm through version 22.05.3 allows the slurm user to take ownership of root-owned files by inappropriately assigning root's ownership during installation.

The Impact of CVE-2020-36770

The exploitation of this vulnerability could lead to unauthorized access to sensitive system files and potential privilege escalation, compromising system integrity and confidentiality.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-36770

This section delves into the specifics of the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The issue arises from the incorrect assignment of ownership during the installation process, enabling the slurm user to gain control over root-owned files.

Affected Systems and Versions

Vendor: n/a
Product: n/a
Versions: All versions of Slurm through 22.05.3 are affected.

Exploitation Mechanism

The slurm user can exploit the vulnerability by manipulating the file ownership assignment to take control of root-owned files, potentially leading to unauthorized access and privilege escalation.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2020-36770, follow these mitigation strategies.

Immediate Steps to Take

Disable unnecessary privileges for the slurm user.
Monitor file ownership changes and permissions closely.
Apply the latest security updates and patches promptly.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement the principle of least privilege to restrict user access.
Conduct regular security audits and vulnerability assessments.
Educate users on secure file handling practices.

Patching and Updates

Update to the latest version of Slurm (post 22.05.3) that addresses the file ownership vulnerability.