CVE-2020-5254 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

NetHack hilite_status parsing privilege escalation

Understanding CVE-2020-5254

In NetHack before 3.6.6, some out-of-bound values for the hilite_status option can be exploited, which is resolved in NetHack 3.6.6.

What is CVE-2020-5254?

CVE-2020-5254 is a vulnerability in NetHack versions prior to 3.6.6 that allows for privilege escalation through the manipulation of out-of-bound values in the hilite_status option.

The Impact of CVE-2020-5254

The impact of this vulnerability is rated as low severity with a CVSS base score of 3.9. It requires local access and user interaction to be exploited, affecting confidentiality, integrity, and availability to a low extent.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-5254

This section provides more technical insights into the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in NetHack before version 3.6.6 allows attackers to exploit out-of-bound values in the hilite_status option, leading to privilege escalation.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: NetHack
Vendor: NetHack
Versions Affected: < 3.6.6

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability can be exploited by manipulating out-of-bound values in the hilite_status option, enabling attackers to escalate privileges.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2020-5254 requires immediate actions and long-term security practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update NetHack to version 3.6.6 or newer to mitigate the vulnerability.
Monitor for any unusual activities that might indicate exploitation of the privilege escalation.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update software and apply security patches promptly.
Implement the principle of least privilege to restrict access rights for users and processes.

Patching and Updates

Ensure that all systems running NetHack are updated to version 3.6.6 or above to address the privilege escalation vulnerability.