CVE-2020-7453 : Security Advisory and Response

In FreeBSD 12.1-STABLE before r359021, 12.1-RELEASE before 12.1-RELEASE-p3, 11.3-STABLE before r359020, and 11.3-RELEASE before 11.3-RELEASE-p7, a vulnerability exists due to a missing null termination check in the jail_set configuration option, potentially allowing a malicious jail superuser to read kernel memory.

Understanding CVE-2020-7453

This CVE pertains to a specific vulnerability in FreeBSD versions mentioned above.

What is CVE-2020-7453?

This CVE describes a security issue in FreeBSD that could be exploited by a malicious jail superuser to access kernel memory.

The Impact of CVE-2020-7453

The vulnerability could lead to unauthorized access to sensitive kernel memory, potentially compromising system integrity and confidentiality.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-7453

This section provides more technical insights into the CVE.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises from a missing null termination check in the jail_set configuration option, allowing unauthorized access to kernel memory.

Affected Systems and Versions

FreeBSD 12.1-STABLE before r359021
FreeBSD 12.1-RELEASE before 12.1-RELEASE-p3
FreeBSD 11.3-STABLE before r359020
FreeBSD 11.3-RELEASE before 11.3-RELEASE-p7

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability can be exploited by a malicious jail superuser with permission to create nested jails, leveraging the jail_set configuration option.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protect your systems from CVE-2020-7453 with the following measures:

Immediate Steps to Take

Apply the necessary patches provided by FreeBSD promptly.
Monitor system logs for any suspicious activities.
Restrict access to vulnerable systems.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update and patch FreeBSD installations.
Implement the principle of least privilege to limit user access.
Conduct security audits and assessments periodically.

Patching and Updates

Ensure timely installation of security patches and updates to mitigate the risk of exploitation.