CVE-2020-8616 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

A malicious actor exploiting the lack of effective limitation on fetches in BIND can cause performance degradation and enable reflection attacks.

Understanding CVE-2020-8616

This CVE involves a vulnerability in BIND that allows attackers to degrade server performance and use it in reflection attacks.

What is CVE-2020-8616?

A flaw in BIND allows attackers to exploit the lack of fetch limitation, causing performance issues and enabling reflection attacks.

The Impact of CVE-2020-8616

Attackers can degrade server performance by causing excessive fetches
Servers can be used in reflection attacks with high amplification factors

Technical Details of CVE-2020-8616

This section provides technical details of the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

Exploits the lack of effective limitation on fetches in BIND
Allows attackers to issue a large number of fetches, degrading server performance

Affected Systems and Versions

Affected versions include BIND 9.0.0 to 9.11.18, 9.12.0 to 9.12.4-P2, 9.14.0 to 9.14.11, 9.16.0 to 9.16.2, and releases 9.17.0 to 9.17.1

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers use specially crafted referrals to exploit the lack of fetch limitation

Mitigation and Prevention

Learn how to mitigate and prevent the CVE-2020-8616 vulnerability.

Immediate Steps to Take

Upgrade to patched releases like BIND 9.11.19, 9.14.12, 9.16.3
Consider BIND Supported Preview Edition for eligible ISC support customers

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update BIND to the latest patched versions
Monitor and restrict network traffic to prevent reflection attacks

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security advisories and apply patches promptly