CVE-2020-26880 : What You Need to Know

Sympa through 6.2.57b.2 allows a local privilege escalation from the sympa user account to full root access by modifying the sympa.conf configuration file and parsing it through the setuid sympa_newaliases-wrapper executable.

Understanding CVE-2020-26880

Sympa through version 6.2.57b.2 is vulnerable to a local privilege escalation attack, enabling an attacker to gain root access on the system.

What is CVE-2020-26880?

This CVE describes a security vulnerability in Sympa that allows an attacker to escalate privileges locally by manipulating specific configuration files and executing certain binaries.

The Impact of CVE-2020-26880

The vulnerability can be exploited by a local attacker to elevate their privileges from a regular user to root, potentially leading to unauthorized access and control over the affected system.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-26880

Sympa through version 6.2.57b.2 is susceptible to a privilege escalation vulnerability due to improper handling of configuration files and setuid binaries.

Vulnerability Description

The issue arises from the improper configuration file handling and the setuid executable, which can be abused to gain elevated privileges.

Affected Systems and Versions

Sympa versions up to 6.2.57b.2 are impacted by this vulnerability.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by modifying the sympa.conf file, owned by the sympa user, and executing it through the setuid sympa_newaliases-wrapper binary.

Mitigation and Prevention

It is crucial to take immediate action to mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2020-26880.

Immediate Steps to Take

Apply the latest security patches provided by the vendor.
Monitor system logs for any suspicious activities.
Restrict access to sensitive system files and directories.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update and patch all software and applications.
Implement the principle of least privilege to restrict user access rights.
Conduct security audits and penetration testing to identify and address vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Ensure that Sympa is updated to a secure version that addresses the privilege escalation vulnerability.