CVE-2020-36771 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

CVE-2020-36771 is a vulnerability affecting CloudLinux CageFS version 7.1.1-1 and below, potentially allowing local users to gain code execution as another user.

Understanding CVE-2020-36771

This CVE identifies a security issue in CloudLinux CageFS that could lead to privilege escalation and unauthorized code execution.

What is CVE-2020-36771?

CVE-2020-36771 involves the passing of authentication tokens as command-line arguments in CloudLinux CageFS, enabling local users to view sensitive information and execute code as a different user.

The Impact of CVE-2020-36771

The vulnerability could result in unauthorized access and privilege escalation, posing a significant security risk to affected systems.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-36771

This section provides in-depth technical insights into the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

CloudLinux CageFS version 7.1.1-1 and below pass authentication tokens as command-line arguments, potentially allowing local users to view sensitive information and execute code as another user.

Affected Systems and Versions

Vendor: CloudLinux OS
Product: CageFS
Affected Version: 7.1.1-1
Unaffected Version: 7.1.2-2

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability arises from the improper handling of authentication tokens, enabling local users to exploit the system and execute code as a different user.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2020-36771 requires immediate action and long-term security measures.

Immediate Steps to Take

Upgrade CloudLinux CageFS to version 7.1.2-2 or higher to mitigate the vulnerability.
Monitor system processes for any suspicious activities.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement the principle of least privilege to restrict user access and actions.
Regularly update and patch software to address security vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security updates from CloudLinux and apply patches promptly to safeguard systems.