Security researchers from Google Cloud have identified six critical vulnerabilities in the widely used Rsync file synchronization tool, which could allow attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected systems. The most severe flaw, with a CVSS score of 9.8, poses a significant risk to users, especially those running outdated versions of the software.
Key Takeaways
Six vulnerabilities found in Rsync, affecting all versions prior to 3.4.0.
The most critical vulnerability (CVE-2024-12084) allows arbitrary code execution with anonymous read access.
Users are urged to update to version 3.4.0 immediately to mitigate risks.
Overview of Vulnerabilities
The vulnerabilities discovered include:
CVE-2024-12084: A heap-based buffer overflow that allows attackers to execute arbitrary code.
CVE-2024-12085: An information leak that can expose sensitive data by manipulating checksum lengths.
CVE-2024-12086: A flaw that enables malicious servers to reconstruct arbitrary files on client machines.
CVE-2024-12087: A path traversal vulnerability that could lead to unauthorized file access.
CVE-2024-12088: A bypass of the –safe-links option, allowing unauthorized file writes.
CVE-2024-12747: A race condition in handling symbolic links that could escalate privileges.
Impact of Vulnerabilities
These vulnerabilities are particularly concerning due to Rsync's extensive use in backup systems, software distribution, and public mirrors. Many popular tools, such as Rclone and DeltaCopy, rely on Rsync as a backend, making the potential impact widespread.
Recommended Actions
Security experts recommend that all users of Rsync take immediate action:
Update: Upgrade to Rsync version 3.4.0, released on January 14, 2025, which addresses these vulnerabilities.
Mitigation: For those unable to update, temporary measures include disabling checksum options by modifying the configuration file to add refuse options = checksum.
The discovery of these vulnerabilities underscores the importance of regular security audits and timely updates for software tools, even those that have been trusted for years. As cyber threats evolve, maintaining secure systems is crucial for protecting sensitive data and preventing unauthorized access. Users are strongly encouraged to stay informed about security updates and best practices to safeguard their systems.
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Sources
Linux Rsync File Transfer Tool Vulnerability Let Attackers Execute Arbitrary Code, CybersecurityNews.
Google Cloud Researchers Uncover Flaws in Rsync File Synchronization Tool, The Hacker News.