CVE-2020-8014 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

A UNIX Symbolic Link (Symlink) Following vulnerability in the packaging of kopano-spamd of openSUSE Leap 15.1, openSUSE Tumbleweed allowed local attackers with the privileges of the kopano user to escalate to root. This vulnerability has a CVSS base score of 7.7, indicating a high severity level.

Understanding CVE-2020-8014

This CVE identifies a local privilege escalation vulnerability in the kopano-spamd subpackage, affecting openSUSE Leap 15.1 and openSUSE Tumbleweed.

What is CVE-2020-8014?

CVE-2020-8014 is a vulnerability that enables local attackers with kopano user privileges to elevate their access to root through a UNIX Symbolic Link (Symlink) Following issue in kopano-spamd.

The Impact of CVE-2020-8014

The vulnerability poses a high risk as it allows unauthorized local users to gain root access, potentially leading to complete system compromise.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-8014

This section delves into the technical aspects of the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in kopano-spamd subpackage of openSUSE Leap 15.1 and openSUSE Tumbleweed permits local attackers with kopano user privileges to escalate to root through a Symlink Following flaw.

Affected Systems and Versions

Affected Systems: openSUSE Leap 15.1, openSUSE Tumbleweed
Vulnerable Versions:
openSUSE Leap 15.1: kopano-spamd versions prior to 10.0.5-lp151.4.1
openSUSE Tumbleweed: kopano-spamd versions prior to 10.0.5-1.1

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability leverages the UNIX Symbolic Link (Symlink) Following technique to enable local attackers to exploit the kopano-spamd subpackage and escalate privileges to root.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2020-8014, follow these mitigation strategies:

Immediate Steps to Take

Update kopano-spamd to the patched versions (10.0.5-lp151.4.1 for Leap 15.1 and 10.0.5-1.1 for Tumbleweed)
Restrict user privileges to minimize the impact of potential escalations

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly monitor and audit file system permissions and symbolic links
Implement the principle of least privilege to restrict user capabilities

Patching and Updates

Apply security patches promptly to ensure systems are protected against known vulnerabilities