CVE-2020-6971 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

Emerson ValveLink v12.0.264 to v13.4.118 is vulnerable to improper access control, potentially allowing a local, unprivileged insider to escalate privileges.

Understanding CVE-2020-6971

In Emerson ValveLink v12.0.264 to v13.4.118, a security vulnerability exists that could be exploited by a trusted insider to gain elevated privileges due to insecure configuration parameters.

What is CVE-2020-6971?

The vulnerability in Emerson ValveLink v12.0.264 to v13.4.118 allows a local, unprivileged, trusted insider to escalate privileges due to improper access control.

The Impact of CVE-2020-6971

This vulnerability could lead to unauthorized privilege escalation within the ValveLink software, potentially compromising the integrity and security of the system.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-6971

Emerson ValveLink v12.0.264 to v13.4.118 is susceptible to the following:

Vulnerability Description

Improper access control vulnerability (CWE-284) in the ValveLink software

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Emerson ValveLink
Versions: v12.0.264 to v13.4.118

Exploitation Mechanism

A local, unprivileged, trusted insider can exploit insecure configuration parameters to escalate privileges.

Mitigation and Prevention

It is crucial to take immediate steps to address and prevent the exploitation of CVE-2020-6971:

Immediate Steps to Take

Implement the latest security patches provided by the vendor
Restrict access to critical systems and sensitive information
Monitor and audit privileged user activities regularly

Long-Term Security Practices

Conduct regular security training for employees on access control best practices
Employ the principle of least privilege to limit user access rights
Regularly review and update security configurations and policies

Patching and Updates

Apply security patches and updates released by Emerson for ValveLink to remediate the vulnerability