CVE-2020-7216 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

An ni_dhcp4_parse_response memory leak in openSUSE wicked 0.6.55 and earlier allows network attackers to cause a denial of service by sending DHCP4 packets without a message type option.

Understanding CVE-2020-7216

This CVE involves a memory leak vulnerability in openSUSE wicked that can be exploited by network attackers to trigger a denial of service attack.

What is CVE-2020-7216?

CVE-2020-7216 is a memory leak vulnerability in openSUSE wicked versions 0.6.55 and earlier. Attackers can exploit this flaw by sending DHCP4 packets without a message type option, leading to a denial of service.

The Impact of CVE-2020-7216

This vulnerability allows malicious actors to disrupt network services by causing a denial of service on affected systems running the vulnerable versions of openSUSE wicked.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-7216

This section provides more in-depth technical information about the CVE.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability lies in the ni_dhcp4_parse_response function in openSUSE wicked 0.6.55 and earlier, resulting in a memory leak when processing DHCP4 packets without a message type option.

Affected Systems and Versions

Systems running openSUSE wicked 0.6.55 and earlier are vulnerable to this memory leak issue.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by crafting and sending DHCP4 packets that lack a message type option, triggering the memory leak and causing a denial of service.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2020-7216 requires immediate actions and long-term security practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Apply the patches provided by openSUSE to address the memory leak vulnerability.
Monitor network traffic for any suspicious DHCP4 packets without a message type option.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update and patch all software and systems to prevent known vulnerabilities.
Implement network segmentation and access controls to limit the impact of potential attacks.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security updates from openSUSE and promptly apply patches to mitigate the risk of exploitation.