CVE-2000-0718 in Mandrake Linux
Summary
by MITRE
A race condition in MandrakeUpdate allows local users to modify RPM files while they are in the /tmp directory before they are installed.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/27/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2000-0718 represents a critical race condition flaw within the MandrakeUpdate utility, a package management tool used in Mandrake Linux distributions. This race condition occurs during the execution of RPM package installation processes where the system temporarily stores package files in the /tmp directory before proceeding with the installation. The flaw arises from insufficient synchronization mechanisms that allow malicious local users to manipulate or replace these temporary files while they remain uninstalled, creating a window of opportunity for privilege escalation and system compromise.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the improper handling of temporary file creation and management within the MandrakeUpdate process. When RPM packages are processed for installation, the system creates temporary files in the /tmp directory with predictable naming conventions and insufficient access controls. Local attackers can exploit this by creating symbolic links or replacing the temporary files with maliciously crafted content before the installation process completes. This race condition is particularly dangerous because it occurs during a legitimate system operation, making it difficult to detect and audit. The vulnerability directly maps to CWE-367, which describes the improper restriction of operations within a single system, and falls under the broader category of time-of-check to time-of-use issues. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this as a privilege escalation technique under T1068, where adversaries leverage system-level processes to gain elevated privileges through manipulation of temporary files.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple local privilege escalation, as it can enable attackers to install malicious software with elevated privileges, potentially compromising the entire system. When attackers successfully exploit this race condition, they can modify RPM packages to include backdoors, rootkits, or other malicious components that will execute with system-level privileges upon installation. The vulnerability affects systems running Mandrake Linux distributions where MandrakeUpdate is used for package management, and the risk is particularly high on systems where multiple users have local access or where automated package updates are performed without proper security controls. The attack vector is straightforward yet effective, requiring only local access to the system and knowledge of the timing window during which the race condition exists.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2000-0718 should focus on eliminating the race condition through proper file handling mechanisms and system hardening. Organizations should implement immediate patches or updates to the MandrakeUpdate utility that ensure temporary files are created with proper permissions and are not susceptible to modification by unauthorized users. The recommended approach includes using secure temporary file creation methods that employ unique naming conventions and atomic operations to prevent race conditions. System administrators should also implement strict access controls on the /tmp directory, including proper permissions and potentially using separate mount points with noexec flags to prevent execution of code from temporary locations. Additionally, monitoring and logging of package management activities should be enhanced to detect suspicious modifications to temporary files during installation processes. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper synchronization mechanisms in system utilities and demonstrates the critical need for secure coding practices when handling temporary file operations. Organizations should also consider implementing automated vulnerability scanning tools that can detect similar race condition patterns in other system utilities and package management tools to prevent similar issues from occurring in the future.