CVE-2020-8290 : What You Need to Know

Backblaze for Windows and Backblaze for macOS before 7.0.0.439 suffer from improper privilege management in

bztransmit

helper, leading to local privilege escalation.

Understanding CVE-2020-8290

Backblaze software versions prior to 7.0.0.439 are affected by a vulnerability related to improper privilege management.

What is CVE-2020-8290?

The vulnerability in Backblaze software allows local users to escalate privileges by exploiting a flaw in the

bztransmit

helper component.

The Impact of CVE-2020-8290

The vulnerability enables attackers to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges on affected systems, potentially leading to unauthorized access and control.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-8290

The technical aspects of the CVE-2020-8290 vulnerability are as follows:

Vulnerability Description

Improper privilege management in

bztransmit

helper
Lack of permission handling and validation before creating client update directories
Allows for local escalation of privilege via rogue client update binary

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Backblaze
Versions affected: Prior to 7.0.0.439

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit the lack of permission handling in the

bztransmit

helper to create malicious client update directories and execute rogue binaries for privilege escalation.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2020-8290, consider the following mitigation strategies:

Immediate Steps to Take

Update Backblaze software to version 7.0.0.439 or later
Monitor system activity for any signs of unauthorized privilege escalation

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement the principle of least privilege to restrict user permissions
Regularly audit and review privilege management processes

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security updates and patches released by Backblaze
Apply patches promptly to ensure protection against known vulnerabilities