CVE-2020-5180 : What You Need to Know

Viscosity 1.8.2 on Windows and macOS allows an unprivileged user to set a subset of OpenVPN parameters, leading to limited local privilege escalation.

Understanding CVE-2020-5180

This CVE identifies a vulnerability in Viscosity 1.8.2 that can be exploited by an unprivileged user to load a malicious library into the memory of the OpenVPN process.

What is CVE-2020-5180?

Viscosity 1.8.2 vulnerability on Windows and macOS
Allows an unprivileged user to manipulate OpenVPN parameters
Leads to limited local privilege escalation

The Impact of CVE-2020-5180

Enables loading a malicious library into OpenVPN memory
Results in limited local privilege escalation
Reduces the impact by executing code with limited privileges

Technical Details of CVE-2020-5180

Viscosity 1.8.2 vulnerability details:

Vulnerability Description

Unprivileged user manipulation of OpenVPN parameters
Loading a malicious library into OpenVPN memory

Affected Systems and Versions

Viscosity 1.8.2 on Windows and macOS
OpenVPN process susceptible to the exploit

Exploitation Mechanism

Setting a subset of OpenVPN parameters by an unprivileged user
Loading a malicious library into OpenVPN memory

Mitigation and Prevention

Steps to address CVE-2020-5180:

Immediate Steps to Take

Update Viscosity to the latest version
Avoid running untrusted VPN configurations

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update VPN software and applications
Implement least privilege access controls

Patching and Updates

Apply security patches promptly
Monitor for vendor updates and security advisories