CVE-2020-5252 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis

The command-line "safety" package for Python has a potential security issue that allows malicious packages to avoid detection by disguising themselves. This CVE has a base score of 5, indicating a medium severity level.

Understanding CVE-2020-5252

This CVE affects the Safety package by PyUp.io and highlights a vulnerability related to untrusted inputs in security decisions.

What is CVE-2020-5252?

The CVE-2020-5252 vulnerability in the Safety package for Python allows malicious code to evade detection by the Safety tool, posing a risk to the integrity of the system.

The Impact of CVE-2020-5252

CVSS Score: 5 (Medium)
Attack Complexity: High
Attack Vector: Local
Integrity Impact: High
Privileges Required: High
User Interaction: Required
Scope: Changed

Technical Details of CVE-2020-5252

This section provides detailed technical information about the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability allows malicious packages to bypass detection by the Safety tool, potentially leading to security breaches.

Affected Systems and Versions

Affected Product: Safety
Vendor: PyUp.io
Affected Version: < 1.9.0

Exploitation Mechanism

Malicious packages can exploit the vulnerability by disguising themselves to evade detection by the Safety tool.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protect your system from CVE-2020-5252 by following these mitigation strategies.

Immediate Steps to Take

Perform static analysis using Docker and the Safety Docker image
Run Safety against a static dependencies list in a clean Python environment
Integrate Safety into Continuous Integration pipelines
Utilize PyUp.io for controlled environment checks

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update Safety and related packages
Implement secure coding practices to prevent similar vulnerabilities

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security patches and updates for the Safety package to address CVE-2020-5252.