CVE-2020-4721 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

IBM i2 Analyst Notebook 9.2.0 and 9.2.1 have a vulnerability that could allow a local attacker to execute arbitrary code on the system.

Understanding CVE-2020-4721

IBM i2 Analyst Notebook versions 9.2.0 and 9.2.1 are affected by a memory corruption vulnerability that could be exploited by an attacker to execute arbitrary code on the system.

What is CVE-2020-4721?

The vulnerability in IBM i2 Analyst Notebook versions 9.2.0 and 9.2.1 allows a local attacker to execute arbitrary code by tricking a user into opening a specially-crafted file.

The Impact of CVE-2020-4721

CVSS Base Score: 7.8 (High)
Attack Vector: Local
Confidentiality Impact: High
Integrity Impact: High
Availability Impact: High
User Interaction: Required
Exploit Code Maturity: Unproven
This vulnerability could result in an attacker gaining control over the affected system.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-4721

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability is due to a memory corruption issue in the affected versions of IBM i2 Analyst Notebook.

Affected Systems and Versions

Affected Versions: 9.2.0, 9.2.1
Product: i2 Analyst Notebook
Vendor: IBM

Exploitation Mechanism

By convincing a user to open a specially-crafted file, an attacker can trigger the vulnerability and execute arbitrary code on the system.

Mitigation and Prevention

Immediate Steps to Take

Apply official fixes provided by IBM to address the vulnerability.
Educate users about the risks of opening files from untrusted sources.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update and patch software to prevent known vulnerabilities.
Implement security awareness training to help users recognize and avoid potential threats.

Patching and Updates

Ensure that all systems running IBM i2 Analyst Notebook are updated with the latest security patches and fixes.