CVE-2020-1751 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

An out-of-bounds write vulnerability was found in glibc before 2.31 when handling signal trampolines on PowerPC. This vulnerability could result in denial of service or potential code execution. The highest threat is to system availability.

Understanding CVE-2020-1751

This CVE encompasses a critical vulnerability in glibc that could lead to severe consequences on affected systems.

What is CVE-2020-1751?

CVE-2020-1751 is an out-of-bounds write flaw present in glibc versions earlier than 2.31, specifically affecting signal trampolines on PowerPC.

The Impact of CVE-2020-1751

The vulnerability poses a significant threat to system availability due to the potential for denial of service or code execution.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-1751

This section delves into the specifics of the vulnerability and its implications.

Vulnerability Description

The backtrace function in glibc fails to properly check array bounds when storing the frame address, leading to the vulnerability.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: glibc
Vendor: Red Hat
Vulnerable Version: 2.31

Exploitation Mechanism

The issue stems from improper bounds checking during signal trampoline handling on PowerPC.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protective measures to address and mitigate the impact of CVE-2020-1751 are crucial.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update glibc to version 2.31 or newer to patch the vulnerability.
Monitor vendor advisories for related patches and guidance on remediation.

Long-Term Security Practices

Conduct regular security assessments and updates on critical system components.
Implement proper input validation and bounds checking to prevent similar vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Apply security patches promptly to address known vulnerabilities and enhance system defense.