CVE-2001-0474 in Mesa
Summary
by MITRE
Utah-glx in Mesa before 3.3-14 on Mandrake Linux 7.2 allows local users to overwrite arbitrary files via a symlink attack on the /tmp/glxmemory file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/30/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2001-0474 represents a classic file system race condition affecting the Utah-glx component within the Mesa graphics library suite. This flaw specifically impacts Mandrake Linux 7.2 systems running Mesa versions prior to 3.3-14, where the graphics subsystem creates temporary files without proper security measures. The vulnerability stems from the lack of atomic file creation operations during the glxmemory file handling process, creating an exploitable window where malicious users can manipulate the system's temporary file structure.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a symlink attack against the /tmp/glxmemory file location. When the Utah-glx component initializes or operates, it creates a temporary file at /tmp/glxmemory without verifying whether the target path already exists as a symbolic link. An attacker with local access can pre-create a symbolic link pointing to a critical system file or any target file of interest, then trigger the graphics subsystem to overwrite the symlink target with arbitrary data. This represents a direct violation of proper file system security practices and demonstrates poor privilege separation between the graphics subsystem and the local user environment.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability enables local privilege escalation through file overwrite capabilities that can be leveraged to modify critical system files, configuration data, or even system binaries. The attack requires only local user access, making it particularly dangerous in multi-user environments where users might have legitimate access to graphics applications. The vulnerability can be exploited to gain unauthorized write access to files that the graphics subsystem normally should not be able to modify, potentially leading to persistent backdoors or system compromise. This aligns with CWE-367, which categorizes time-of-check to time-of-use vulnerabilities as a critical security weakness.
The exploitation of this vulnerability directly relates to ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers 'Local Privilege Escalation' through the manipulation of system resources. The attack vector specifically targets the temporary file creation process, which is a common attack surface for privilege escalation. The vulnerability also demonstrates the importance of proper file system permissions and atomic operations in security-sensitive applications, as outlined in various security standards and best practices for secure coding. Organizations running affected versions of Mesa on Mandrake Linux 7.2 should implement immediate mitigations including system updates, proper file permissions, and monitoring for unauthorized symbolic link creation in the /tmp directory.
Mitigation strategies should include applying the vendor-provided security patches that address the race condition in the glxmemory file handling. System administrators should also implement proper file system hardening measures such as ensuring that temporary directories are properly secured with restrictive permissions and that symbolic link creation is restricted in sensitive locations. Additionally, monitoring for suspicious file creation patterns and implementing file integrity checking mechanisms can help detect exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the critical importance of proper atomic file operations in security-sensitive applications, particularly those operating in multi-user environments where privilege separation is essential for maintaining system integrity.