CVE-2020-25412
📋 TL;DR
CVE-2020-25412 is a critical out-of-bounds write vulnerability in gnuplot's com_line() function that allows arbitrary code execution via specially crafted input. This affects users who process untrusted data files or commands with vulnerable gnuplot versions. Attackers can exploit this to gain full control of affected systems.
💻 Affected Systems
- gnuplot
📦 What is this software?
Gnuplot by Gnuplot
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Remote code execution leading to complete system compromise, data theft, ransomware deployment, or persistent backdoor installation.
Likely Case
Local privilege escalation or remote code execution when processing malicious data files or commands, particularly in automated workflows.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if gnuplot runs in sandboxed environments with minimal privileges and processes only trusted input.
🎯 Exploit Status
Proof-of-concept available in bug reports. Exploitation requires getting target to process malicious input, which could be achieved through social engineering or automated workflows.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: gnuplot 5.4.1 and later
Vendor Advisory: https://sourceforge.net/p/gnuplot/bugs/2303/
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Download gnuplot 5.4.1 or later from official sources. 2. Uninstall vulnerable version. 3. Install patched version. 4. Verify installation with 'gnuplot --version'.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Input validation and sanitization
allValidate and sanitize all input before passing to gnuplot, especially from untrusted sources.
Run with reduced privileges
linuxExecute gnuplot with minimal necessary privileges using sandboxing or containerization.
sudo -u nobody gnuplot [options]
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Restrict gnuplot usage to trusted users and data sources only
- Implement network segmentation to isolate systems running vulnerable gnuplot versions
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Run 'gnuplot --version' and check if version is 5.4 or earlier. Also check if com_line() function is called with untrusted input.Check Version:
gnuplot --versionVerify Fix Applied:
Run 'gnuplot --version' and confirm version is 5.4.1 or later. Test with known safe input that previously triggered the vulnerability.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Segmentation faults or abnormal termination of gnuplot processes
- Unexpected process spawning from gnuplot
Network Indicators:
- Outbound connections from gnuplot processes to unexpected destinations
SIEM Query:
process_name:"gnuplot" AND (event_type:"segmentation_fault" OR parent_process:"gnuplot")