CVE-2020-3946 Explained : Impact and Mitigation
Learn about CVE-2020-3946 affecting InstallBuilder by VMware. Find out how versions prior to 19.11.0 are vulnerable to a Billion laughs attack, leading to denial-of-service.
InstallBuilder AutoUpdate tool and regular installers enabling <checkForUpdates> built with versions earlier than 19.11 are vulnerable to Billion laughs attack (denial-of-service).
Understanding CVE-2020-3946
InstallBuilder AutoUpdate tool and regular installers built with versions prior to 19.11 are susceptible to a denial-of-service attack known as the Billion laughs attack.
What is CVE-2020-3946?
CVE-2020-3946 is a vulnerability in VMware's InstallBuilder software that allows attackers to exploit the AutoUpdate tool and regular installers, potentially leading to a denial-of-service attack.
The Impact of CVE-2020-3946
The vulnerability can be exploited by malicious actors to launch a Billion laughs attack, causing a denial of service on systems running affected versions of InstallBuilder.
Technical Details of CVE-2020-3946
InstallBuilder AutoUpdate tool and regular installers built with versions earlier than 19.11 are vulnerable to a specific type of denial-of-service attack.
Vulnerability Description
The vulnerability in InstallBuilder allows attackers to exploit the AutoUpdate tool and regular installers, potentially leading to a denial-of-service condition.
Affected Systems and Versions
- Product: InstallBuilder
- Vendor: VMware
- Versions Affected: All versions prior to version 19.11.0
Exploitation Mechanism
Attackers can exploit the vulnerability by manipulating the AutoUpdate tool and regular installers built with versions earlier than 19.11 to launch a Billion laughs attack.
Mitigation and Prevention
To address CVE-2020-3946, users and organizations should take immediate steps and implement long-term security practices to mitigate the risk of exploitation.
Immediate Steps to Take
- Update InstallBuilder to version 19.11.0 or later to eliminate the vulnerability.
- Disable the AutoUpdate tool until the software is patched.
Long-Term Security Practices
- Regularly update software and apply security patches promptly.
- Implement network security measures to detect and prevent denial-of-service attacks.
Patching and Updates
- VMware has released version 19.11.0 to address the vulnerability. Users should update their InstallBuilder software to this version or the latest available release.