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CVE Record

CVE-2020-29394: A buffer overflow in the dlt_filter_load function in dlt_common.c from dlt-daemon through 2.18.5 (GENIVI Di...

A buffer overflow in the dlt_filter_load function in dlt_common.c from dlt-daemon through 2.18.5 (GENIVI Diagnostic Log and Trace) allows arbitrary code execution because fscanf is misused (no limit on the number of characters to be read in the format argument).

UnknownCVSS not scoredNot KEV-listedUpdated
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Glexia's TakeAutomated analysishigh

Security readout for executives and security teams

Plain-English summary

dlt-daemon, used for Diagnostic Log and Trace logging, had a buffer overflow when loading filters. The CVE says versions through 2.18.5 can allow arbitrary code execution because input length was not bounded. Treat affected deployments as important to update, especially where filter files can come from less-trusted sources.

Executive priority

High priority for environments that use dlt-daemon in vehicles, embedded systems, or operational logging paths. The business risk is code execution in a diagnostic component, but urgency depends on whether vulnerable filter loading is reachable and whether updates are available from your vendor or distribution.

Technical view

The flaw is in dlt_filter_load in dlt_common.c. The CVE attributes it to misuse of fscanf without a maximum field width, allowing an oversized value to overflow a buffer. Public references show upstream issue and pull requests, plus a Debian LTS security update. No CVSS, CWE, or detailed exploit prerequisites are provided in the bundle.

Likely exposure

Exposure is most likely where dlt-daemon through 2.18.5 is installed and filter loading is used. This may affect systems using GENIVI Diagnostic Log and Trace components. The source bundle does not provide precise package names, CPEs, platforms, or default reachability.

Exploitation context

The sources state arbitrary code execution is possible, but do not show active exploitation, public exploit maturity, required privileges, or remote reachability. CISA KEV status is false in the bundle, so active exploitation should not be assumed from these sources.

Researcher notes

Focus on version identification, filter-loading call paths, and patch provenance. The bundle supports the root cause and broad version range, but lacks CVSS, CWE mapping, exploit prerequisites, and affected CPEs. Avoid assuming remote exploitability without additional vendor evidence.

Mitigation direction

  • Inventory systems running dlt-daemon and record installed versions.
  • Prioritize upgrading dlt-daemon through vendor or distribution security updates.
  • For Debian LTS, review and apply DLA 3231-1 guidance where applicable.
  • Check upstream GENIVI issue and pull requests for fixed-code lineage.
  • Limit who can provide or modify DLT filter files.

Validation and detection

  • Confirm whether installed dlt-daemon versions are through 2.18.5.
  • Verify patched package changelogs reference CVE-2020-29394 or the upstream fix.
  • Review operational paths that load DLT filter files.
  • Identify whether untrusted users or processes can influence filter content.
  • Confirm monitoring covers crashes or unexpected restarts of dlt-daemon.
Prepared
Confidence
medium
Sources
6

Public sources used

Generated from the cited source records. This long-tail analysis has not been individually reviewed by a named human.

Potential ATT&CK relevance

Conservative CVE-to-ATT&CK context

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ATT&CK lookup starting points

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description · low confidence lookup

Execution behavior lookup

The CVE wording references code or command execution, so execution technique review may help defensive triage. This is a Glexia inferred lookup path, not an official MITRE, ATT&CK, or CVE Program mapping.

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CVE-2020-29394 mapping review

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Vulnerability profileCVE Program record
Severity
Unknown
CVSS
Not scored
Known Exploited
No
Published
Official CVE source material

CNA and ADP enrichment extracted from CVE v5

These fields come from the CVE record and ADP containers, not from Glexia's Take. They preserve time-varying source decisions such as CISA SSVC, KEV status, CVSS metrics, and provider references.

0CVSS vectors
0Timeline events
0ADP providers
5Source links

CVSS and timeline data

No CVSS vectors or timeline events were available in the normalized CVE source material.

Source materials

Affected products

Products and packages named in the record

VendorProductVersion / packageStatus
n/an/an/aListed
Weakness

CWE details

No CWE listed

CWE links open Glexia weakness intelligence pages with official CWE context, developer remediation guidance, and related CVE mappings.