#VU24916 Buffer overflow in PPP - CVE-2020-8597

Vulnerability identifier: #VU24916

Vulnerability risk: High

CVSSv4.0: 8.9 [CVSS:4.0/AV:N/AC:L/AT:N/PR:N/UI:N/VC:H/VI:H/VA:H/SC:N/SI:N/SA:N/E:P/U:Amber]

CVE-ID: CVE-2020-8597

CWE-ID: CWE-119

Exploitation vector: Network

Exploit availability: Yes

Vulnerable software:
PPP
Server applications / Other server solutions

Vendor: Paul Mackerras

Description

The vulnerability allows a remote attacker to execute arbitrary code on the target system.

The vulnerability exists due to a boundary error in the "eap_request" and "eap_response" functions in "eap.c" file in pppd. A remote attacker can trigger memory corruption and execute arbitrary code on the target system.

Successful exploitation of this vulnerability may result in complete compromise of vulnerable system.

Mitigation
Install update from vendor's website.

Vulnerable software versions

PPP: 2.4.2 - 2.4.8

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External links
https://github.com/paulusmack/ppp/commit/8d7970b8f3db727fe798b65f3377fe6787575426

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Q & A

Can this vulnerability be exploited remotely?

Yes. This vulnerability can be exploited by a remote non-authenticated attacker via the Internet.

Is there known malware, which exploits this vulnerability?

No. We are not aware of malware exploiting this vulnerability. However, proof of concept for this vulnerability is available.