CVE-2020-35909 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

An issue was discovered in the multihash crate before 0.11.3 for Rust. The from_slice parsing code can panic via unsanitized data from a network server.

Understanding CVE-2020-35909

This CVE identifies a vulnerability in the multihash crate for Rust that can lead to a panic due to unsanitized data.

What is CVE-2020-35909?

The vulnerability in the multihash crate before version 0.11.3 allows for potential panics when processing data from a network server.

The Impact of CVE-2020-35909

The vulnerability could be exploited by an attacker to cause a denial of service (DoS) by triggering panics in the affected application.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-35909

The following technical details outline the specifics of this CVE.

Vulnerability Description

The issue lies in the from_slice parsing code of the multihash crate, which fails to properly handle unsanitized data.

Affected Systems and Versions

Affected Version: Before 0.11.3
Systems using the multihash crate for Rust are vulnerable to this issue.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by sending specially crafted data from a network server, causing the parsing code to panic.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2020-35909, consider the following mitigation strategies.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update the multihash crate to version 0.11.3 or later to mitigate the vulnerability.
Implement input validation mechanisms to sanitize data before processing.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly monitor and update dependencies in your Rust projects to ensure you are using the latest secure versions.
Conduct security audits to identify and address vulnerabilities in your codebase.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security advisories related to Rust crates and promptly apply patches to address known vulnerabilities.