CVE-2000-0578 in MIPSPro Compiler
Summary
by MITRE
SGI MIPSPro compilers C, C++, F77 and F90 generate temporary files in /tmp with predictable file names, which could allow local users to insert malicious contents into these files as they are being compiled by another user.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/05/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2000-0578 represents a classic temporary file race condition affecting the SGI MIPSPro compiler suite including C, C++, F77, and F90 compilers. This issue stems from the compilers' practice of creating temporary files in the /tmp directory using predictable naming conventions that can be easily guessed by local attackers. The fundamental flaw lies in the insecure temporary file creation mechanism where the compiler generates files with known patterns that do not incorporate sufficient randomness or unique identifiers to prevent exploitation.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the timing window between when a temporary file is created and when it is subsequently accessed or modified by the compiler process. Attackers can leverage this window to create symbolic links or replace the temporary files with malicious content before the compilation process begins. The predictable naming scheme means that an attacker who knows the compiler's temporary file generation algorithm can create their own files with identical names in the /tmp directory, effectively hijacking the compilation process. This race condition vulnerability falls under the CWE-362 category of "Concurrent Execution using Shared Resource with Improper Synchronization" and specifically relates to CWE-363 "Race Condition Enabling Link Following" which describes situations where an attacker can manipulate file system objects to achieve unauthorized access or execution.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation as it can enable arbitrary code execution within the context of the compiler process. When a victim user executes a compilation command that triggers the vulnerable compiler behavior, the attacker's malicious content can be executed with the privileges of the victim user. This creates a significant security risk in multi-user environments where different users compile code on the same system, as any local user can potentially compromise the compilation process of other users. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in shared computing environments such as academic institutions or development servers where multiple users have access to the same systems. The attack vector is straightforward and requires minimal skill level to execute, making it a preferred target for attackers seeking to gain unauthorized access to systems.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability involve both immediate and long-term approaches. The most effective immediate solution is to modify the compiler's temporary file creation mechanism to use truly random or unique identifiers that cannot be predicted by attackers. This approach aligns with the principle of least privilege and follows secure coding practices outlined in the OWASP Secure Coding Guidelines. System administrators should also implement proper file system permissions and consider using secure temporary file creation functions that are designed to prevent such race conditions. The recommended approach includes configuring the /tmp directory with appropriate permissions to prevent unauthorized file creation, such as setting the sticky bit and ensuring that only the owner of files can modify them. Additionally, organizations should consider using alternative compilation environments or implementing file system monitoring to detect suspicious temporary file activity. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of secure temporary file handling in compiler and build systems, and the need for comprehensive security testing of development tools to prevent such fundamental flaws from being exploited in real-world scenarios. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this as a privilege escalation technique under T1068 "Local Privilege Escalation" and T1548.001 "Abuse Elevation Control Mechanism" where attackers leverage insecure file operations to gain elevated privileges through the compilation process.