CVE-2020-4436 Explained : Impact and Mitigation
Learn about CVE-2020-4436, a critical vulnerability in IBM Aspera applications allowing buffer overflow post-authentication, enabling arbitrary code execution. Find out affected systems and mitigation steps.
Certain IBM Aspera applications are vulnerable to buffer overflow after valid authentication, potentially allowing an attacker to execute arbitrary code through a service.
Understanding CVE-2020-4436
This CVE involves a critical vulnerability in various IBM Aspera applications that could be exploited by an attacker with system knowledge.
What is CVE-2020-4436?
CVE-2020-4436 is a vulnerability in IBM Aspera applications that could lead to buffer overflow post-authentication, enabling an attacker to execute arbitrary code.
The Impact of CVE-2020-4436
- CVSS Score: 8.8 (High)
- Attack Vector: Network
- Confidentiality Impact: High
- Integrity Impact: High
- Availability Impact: High
- Privileges Required: Low
- Exploit Code Maturity: Unproven
- User Interaction: None
- Remediation Level: Official Fix
- Report Confidence: Confirmed
Technical Details of CVE-2020-4436
This section provides detailed technical information about the vulnerability.
Vulnerability Description
The vulnerability allows an attacker to trigger a buffer overflow after successful authentication, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution.
Affected Systems and Versions
The following IBM Aspera applications and versions are affected:
- Aspera Faspex On Demand 3.7.4
- Aspera High-Speed Transfer Server for Cloud Pak for Integration (CP4I) 3.9.10
- Aspera High-Speed Transfer Endpoint 3.9.3
- Aspera Streaming 3.9.3
- Aspera Server On Demand 3.7.4
- Aspera Shares On Demand 3.7.4
- Aspera Application Platform On Demand 3.7.4
- Aspera Transfer Cluster Manager 1.3.1
- Aspera High-Speed Transfer Server 3.9.3
- Aspera Proxy Server 1.4.3
Exploitation Mechanism
The vulnerability can be exploited by an attacker with intimate knowledge of the system to execute arbitrary code through a service.
Mitigation and Prevention
Protect your systems from CVE-2020-4436 with the following steps:
Immediate Steps to Take
- Apply official fixes provided by IBM.
- Monitor IBM's security bulletins for updates.
- Restrict network access to vulnerable systems.
Long-Term Security Practices
- Regularly update and patch all software and applications.
- Conduct security assessments and penetration testing.
- Implement network segmentation and access controls.
Patching and Updates
- IBM has released official fixes to address this vulnerability.