CVE-2020-7924 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

CVE-2020-7924 was published on April 12, 2021, by MongoDB Inc. It involves the usage of a specific command line parameter in MongoDB Tools that may lead to accepting invalid certificates.

Understanding CVE-2020-7924

This CVE highlights a vulnerability in MongoDB Tools that could allow the acceptance of invalid certificates due to a specific command line parameter.

What is CVE-2020-7924?

The vulnerability arises from a command line parameter in MongoDB Tools intended to skip hostname checks, potentially causing MongoDB to skip all certificate validation, leading to the acceptance of invalid certificates.

The Impact of CVE-2020-7924

The impact of this vulnerability is rated as MEDIUM with a CVSS base score of 4.2. It requires user interaction and has a high attack complexity, affecting the network.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-7924

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability allows MongoDB Tools to skip certificate validation, potentially accepting invalid certificates.

Affected Systems and Versions

MongoDB Database Tools versions later than 3.6.5 and prior to 3.6.21
MongoDB Database Tools 4.0 versions prior to 4.0.21
MongoDB Database Tools 4.2 versions prior to 4.2.11
MongoDB Database Tools 100 versions prior to 100.2.0
Mongomirror version 0.6.0

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability can be exploited by utilizing the specific command line parameter in MongoDB Tools, leading to the acceptance of invalid certificates.

Mitigation and Prevention

Immediate Steps to Take

Update MongoDB Tools to versions that have patched this vulnerability
Avoid using untrusted networks when running MongoDB Tools

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly monitor for security updates and apply patches promptly
Implement network security measures to prevent unauthorized access

Patching and Updates

Ensure that MongoDB Tools and related software are regularly updated to the latest secure versions.