CVE-2020-14162 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis

Pi-Hole through 5.0 allows the local www-data user to execute scripts as root without a password, potentially leading to root access via shell metacharacters.

Understanding CVE-2020-14162

An issue in Pi-Hole through version 5.0 allows a specific user to escalate privileges and potentially gain unauthorized root access.

What is CVE-2020-14162?

The vulnerability in Pi-Hole through version 5.0 enables the local www-data user to execute scripts as root without requiring a password, which could be exploited by an attacker to achieve root access using shell metacharacters.

The Impact of CVE-2020-14162

The vulnerability could allow an unauthorized user to gain root access on the affected system, leading to potential system compromise and unauthorized control.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-14162

Pi-Hole through version 5.0 is susceptible to privilege escalation due to the following:

Vulnerability Description

The local www-data user can execute the pihole core script as root without a password.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Pi-Hole
Vendor: N/A
Versions: Through 5.0

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit the setdns command within the script using shell metacharacters to gain root access.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2020-14162, consider the following steps:

Immediate Steps to Take

Restrict sudo privileges for the www-data user to prevent unauthorized script execution.
Monitor system logs for any suspicious activities related to script execution.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement the principle of least privilege to restrict user capabilities.
Regularly review and update sudo configurations to ensure secure access control.

Patching and Updates

Apply patches or updates provided by Pi-Hole to mitigate the vulnerability and enhance system security.