What is the CVSS score of CVE-2020-28896?

CVE-2020-28896 has a CVSS 3.1 base score of 5.3 (Medium). CVSS vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:N/A:N. EPSS exploitation probability: 2.3%.

Is there a patch available for CVE-2020-28896?

Yes, a patch is available for CVE-2020-28896. Update the affected software to the latest version immediately.

Mutt CVE-2020-28896

MEDIUM

Improper Authentication (CWE-287)

2020-11-23 cve@mitre.org

Authentication Bypass Mutt Neomutt Debian Linux

5.3

CVSS 3.1 · NVD

Severity by source

NVD PRIMARY

5.3 MEDIUM

AV:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:N/A:N

Primary rating from NVD · only source for this CVE.

CVSS VectorNVD

CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:N/A:N

Attack Vector

Network

Attack Complexity

High

Privileges Required

None

User Interaction

Required

Scope

Unchanged

Confidentiality

High

Integrity

None

Availability

None

Lifecycle Timeline

CVE Published

Nov 23, 2020 - 19:15 nvd

MEDIUM 5.3

DescriptionNVD

Mutt before 2.0.2 and NeoMutt before 2020-11-20 did not ensure that $ssl_force_tls was processed if an IMAP server's initial server response was invalid. The connection was not properly closed, and the code could continue attempting to authenticate. This could result in authentication credentials being exposed on an unencrypted connection, or to a machine-in-the-middle.

AnalysisAI

Mutt before 2.0.2 and NeoMutt before 2020-11-20 did not ensure that $ssl_force_tls was processed if an IMAP server's initial server response was invalid. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required. This Improper Authentication vulnerability could allow attackers to bypass authentication mechanisms to gain unauthorized access.

Technical ContextAI

This vulnerability is classified as Improper Authentication (CWE-287), which allows attackers to bypass authentication mechanisms to gain unauthorized access. Mutt before 2.0.2 and NeoMutt before 2020-11-20 did not ensure that $ssl_force_tls was processed if an IMAP server's initial server response was invalid. The connection was not properly closed, and the code could continue attempting to authenticate. This could result in authentication credentials being exposed on an unencrypted connection, or to a machine-in-the-middle. Affected products include: Mutt, Neomutt, Debian Debian Linux. Version information: before 2.0.2.

RemediationAI

A vendor patch is available. Apply the latest security update as soon as possible. Implement multi-factor authentication, enforce strong password policies, use proven authentication frameworks.