CVE-2020-7468 : Security Advisory and Response
Learn about CVE-2020-7468, a FreeBSD vulnerability allowing FTP users to escape file system restrictions and potentially gain root privileges. Find mitigation steps here.
In FreeBSD 12.2-STABLE before r365772, 11.4-STABLE before r365773, 12.1-RELEASE before p10, 11.4-RELEASE before p4, and 11.3-RELEASE before p14, a vulnerability in the ftpd(8) implementation allows an authenticated FTP user to escape file system restrictions and potentially gain root privileges.
Understanding CVE-2020-7468
This CVE identifies a security issue in FreeBSD related to FTP server permissions.
What is CVE-2020-7468?
The vulnerability in the ftpd(8) implementation in FreeBSD versions allows an authenticated FTP user to bypass file system restrictions and potentially escalate privileges.
The Impact of CVE-2020-7468
The vulnerability could be exploited by a malicious client to escape the configured file system restrictions and potentially gain root privileges on the affected system.
Technical Details of CVE-2020-7468
This section provides more technical insights into the vulnerability.
Vulnerability Description
The bug in the ftpd(8) implementation combined with user capabilities enables the bypassing of file system restrictions set in ftpchroot(5), leading to potential privilege escalation.
Affected Systems and Versions
- FreeBSD 12.1-RELEASE before p10
- FreeBSD 11.4-RELEASE before p4
- FreeBSD 11.3-RELEASE before p14
Exploitation Mechanism
The vulnerability allows an authenticated FTP user to exploit the file system sandbox bug to escape restrictions and potentially gain root privileges.
Mitigation and Prevention
Protecting systems from CVE-2020-7468 requires immediate actions and long-term security practices.
Immediate Steps to Take
- Apply the necessary patches provided by FreeBSD promptly.
- Monitor FTP server activities for any suspicious behavior.
- Restrict FTP access to trusted users only.
Long-Term Security Practices
- Regularly update and patch FreeBSD systems to mitigate known vulnerabilities.
- Implement the principle of least privilege to restrict user capabilities.
Patching and Updates
Ensure that FreeBSD systems are updated with the latest patches and security fixes to address the ftpd(8) vulnerability.