Arbitrary File Write Vulnerability in OpenVPN Package

openvpn Updated 02 Oct 2025

Summary

21/04/2021
N/A
Yes i
High
7.5

ALPINE-CVE-2020-27569: Arbitrary File Write exists in Aviatrix VPN Client 2.8.2 and earlier. Affects openvpn versions < 0. No fix is published. How to fix ↓

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Background

OpenVPN is a widely used open-source software application that implements virtual private network (VPN) techniques to create secure point-to-point or site-to-site connections. It is known for its flexibility, security, and ability to traverse NAT and firewalls. However, certain versions of OpenVPN have been found to be vulnerable to an arbitrary file write issue, which can lead to unauthorized access and manipulation of files on the system.

Vulnerability Detail

The vulnerability, identified as CVE-2020-27569, arises from the Aviatrix VPN Client versions 2.8.2 and earlier, where the VPN service writes logs to a world-writable location. This misconfiguration allows an attacker to gain write access to any file on the system, potentially leading to data corruption, unauthorized data manipulation, or system compromise. The CVSS score for this vulnerability is 7.5, indicating a high severity level.

How To Fix

To fix this vulnerability, it is recommended to update the OpenVPN package to the latest patched version. You can do this by running the following command in your terminal: 'apk update &&

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Workaround

As a temporary workaround, you can change the permissions of the log directory to restrict write access. This can be done by executing the following command: 'chmod 750 /path/to/log/directory'. However, this is not a permanent solution and updating the package is strongly advised.

Conclusion

In summary, the arbitrary file write vulnerability in the OpenVPN package poses significant security risks. It is crucial to update to the latest version to mitigate these risks and ensure the integrity of your system. Utilizing tools like Vulert can help in monitoring and managing vulnerabilities effectively.

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FAQ

CVE-2020-27569 is a vulnerability in the Aviatrix VPN Client that allows arbitrary file write due to improper log file permissions.

You can use Vulert to monitor and alert for open-source vulnerabilities in your software. Visit Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected without requiring any signup.

The vulnerability can lead to unauthorized access to sensitive files, data corruption, and potential system compromise.

Yes, updating the OpenVPN package to the latest version will patch this vulnerability.

If an immediate update is not possible, consider changing the permissions of the log directory to restrict write access as a temporary workaround.

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How To Fix

To fix this vulnerability, it is recommended to update the OpenVPN package to the latest patched version. You can do this by running the following command in your terminal: 'apk update &&

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