CVE-2020-8986 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

lib/NSSDropbox.php in ZendTo prior to 5.22-2 Beta failed to properly check for equality when validating the session cookie, allowing an attacker to gain administrative access with a large number of requests.

Understanding CVE-2020-8986

This CVE describes a vulnerability in ZendTo that could lead to unauthorized administrative access.

What is CVE-2020-8986?

CVE-2020-8986 is a security flaw in ZendTo versions prior to 5.22-2 Beta that enables attackers to exploit session cookie validation.

The Impact of CVE-2020-8986

The vulnerability allows malicious actors to gain administrative privileges through a session cookie validation bypass.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-8986

ZendTo's lib/NSSDropbox.php component is susceptible to an equality check failure during session cookie validation.

Vulnerability Description

The issue arises from the improper validation of session cookies, enabling attackers to escalate privileges.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: ZendTo
Vendor: ZendTo
Versions Affected: Prior to 5.22-2 Beta

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by sending a large number of requests to manipulate session cookie validation.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2020-8986, follow these steps:

Immediate Steps to Take

Update ZendTo to version 5.22-2 Beta or newer.
Monitor system logs for any unusual activity.
Implement strong authentication mechanisms.

Long-Term Security Practices

Conduct regular security audits and penetration testing.
Educate users on secure practices and awareness.
Keep software and systems up to date with the latest patches.

Patching and Updates

Ensure timely installation of security patches and updates to prevent exploitation of known vulnerabilities.