CVE-2020-12829 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies
Learn about CVE-2020-12829, an integer overflow vulnerability in QEMU SM501 display driver allowing local attackers to crash the process, leading to denial of service. Find mitigation steps and patching details here.
In QEMU through 5.0.0, an integer overflow in the SM501 display driver implementation could allow a local attacker to crash the QEMU process, leading to a denial of service.
Understanding CVE-2020-12829
What is CVE-2020-12829?
This CVE describes an integer overflow vulnerability in the SM501 display driver implementation in QEMU.
The Impact of CVE-2020-12829
The vulnerability could be exploited by a local attacker to crash the QEMU process, resulting in a denial of service.
Technical Details of CVE-2020-12829
Vulnerability Description
An integer overflow was discovered in the SM501 display driver implementation in QEMU, specifically in the COPY_AREA macro while handling MMIO write operations through the sm501_2d_engine_write() callback.
Affected Systems and Versions
- Product: n/a
- Vendor: n/a
- Versions: All versions up to 5.0.0
Exploitation Mechanism
The flaw can be abused by a local attacker to crash the QEMU process in sm501_2d_operation() in hw/display/sm501.c on the host.
Mitigation and Prevention
Immediate Steps to Take
- Apply patches provided by the vendor
- Monitor vendor advisories for updates
Long-Term Security Practices
- Regularly update QEMU and related components
- Implement least privilege access controls
Patching and Updates
- Update QEMU to version 5.0.1 or later to mitigate the vulnerability.