CVE-2001-0118 in rdist
Summary
by MITRE
rdist 6.1.5 allows local users to overwrite arbitrary files via a symlink attack.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/07/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2001-0118 affects rdist version 6.1.5, a remote distribution utility used for copying files between systems. This flaw represents a classic symlink attack scenario that exploits the insecure handling of temporary files during the file transfer process. The vulnerability resides in the way rdist manages symbolic links when creating temporary files, allowing local users to manipulate the file system through carefully crafted symlink operations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from rdist's failure to properly validate file paths when creating temporary files during remote file distribution operations. When rdist processes file transfers, it creates temporary files in predictable locations without adequate checks to ensure these temporary files are not symbolic links. Attackers can exploit this by placing malicious symbolic links in the target directories, causing rdist to write data to unintended locations. This creates a privilege escalation scenario where local users can overwrite arbitrary files with arbitrary content, potentially leading to system compromise.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple file overwriting capabilities. From a cybersecurity perspective, this flaw enables attackers to modify critical system files, configuration data, or even executable programs that could lead to persistent access or privilege escalation. The vulnerability affects systems where rdist is installed and used for remote file distribution, making it particularly concerning in enterprise environments where such utilities are commonly deployed. The attack vector is relatively simple to execute, requiring only local access to create the necessary symbolic links and trigger the vulnerable code path.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-59 and CWE-377, representing a weakness in file path handling and insecure temporary file creation. It also maps to ATT&CK technique T1059 for execution through command-line interfaces and potentially T1548 for privilege escalation. The attack scenario typically involves an attacker who already has local access to the system but seeks to escalate privileges or gain unauthorized access to other system resources. Organizations should immediately disable or remove rdist installations, implement proper file system permissions, and conduct thorough audits of systems where this utility remains active. Additionally, system administrators should ensure that temporary file creation processes properly validate file paths and avoid creating files in directories where symbolic links might be present, thereby preventing the exploitation of similar vulnerabilities in other software components.