CVE-2020-8018 : Security Advisory and Response
Learn about CVE-2020-8018, a high-severity vulnerability in SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 15 SP1 allowing local attackers to escalate privileges. Find mitigation steps and patching details here.
A Incorrect Default Permissions vulnerability in the SLES15-SP1-CHOST-BYOS and SLES15-SP1-CAP-Deployment-BYOS images of SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 15 SP1 allows local attackers to escalate privileges. This CVE has a CVSS base score of 8.4.
Understanding CVE-2020-8018
This CVE pertains to an Incorrect Default Permissions vulnerability in specific SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 15 SP1 images.
What is CVE-2020-8018?
CVE-2020-8018 is a vulnerability in SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 15 SP1 that enables local attackers with UID 1000 to escalate to root due to user-owned /etc directory.
The Impact of CVE-2020-8018
- CVSS Base Score: 8.4 (High Severity)
- Attack Vector: Local
- Attack Complexity: Low
- Privileges Required: None
- Confidentiality Impact: High
- Integrity Impact: High
- Availability Impact: High
Technical Details of CVE-2020-8018
This section provides detailed technical information about the vulnerability.
Vulnerability Description
The vulnerability allows local attackers to escalate privileges by exploiting user-owned /etc directory in specific SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 15 SP1 images.
Affected Systems and Versions
- SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 15 SP1
- SLES15-SP1-CAP-Deployment-BYOS version 1.0.1 and prior
- SLES15-SP1-CHOST-BYOS versions prior to 1.0.3
Exploitation Mechanism
The vulnerability can be exploited by local attackers with UID 1000 to gain root access through the user-owned /etc directory.
Mitigation and Prevention
It is crucial to take immediate steps to address and prevent the exploitation of this vulnerability.
Immediate Steps to Take
- Apply patches provided by SUSE promptly.
- Monitor and restrict access to critical system directories.
- Implement the principle of least privilege to limit user permissions.
Long-Term Security Practices
- Regularly update and patch systems to address security vulnerabilities.
- Conduct security audits and assessments to identify and mitigate risks.
Patching and Updates
- SUSE has released patches to address this vulnerability. Ensure all affected systems are updated with the latest patches.