CVE-2001-1448 in eDeveloper
Summary
by MITRE
Magic eDeveloper Enterprise Edition 8.30-5 and earlier allows local users to overwrite arbitrary files and possibly execute code via a symlink attack on temporary files created by the (1) mkuserproc, (2) mgrnt, and (3) mgdatasrvr.sc scripts.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/23/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2001-1448 represents a critical security flaw in Magic eDeveloper Enterprise Edition versions 8.30-5 and earlier, specifically targeting the handling of temporary files during user account creation and system management operations. This issue stems from inadequate file permission controls and improper temporary file creation mechanisms that expose the system to symlink-based attacks. The vulnerability affects three critical system scripts including mkuserproc, mgrnt, and mgdatasrvr.sc which are responsible for user management and system administration functions within the Magic eDeveloper environment. Attackers can exploit this weakness by creating symbolic links in strategic locations, thereby manipulating the behavior of these scripts when they attempt to create temporary files.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through a classic symlink attack pattern where local users manipulate the temporary file creation process. When the affected scripts execute, they create temporary files without proper validation of the file system state, allowing attackers to pre-create symbolic links that point to sensitive system files or locations. This results in the scripts writing data to locations controlled by the attacker rather than their intended destinations. The flaw directly relates to CWE-367, which identifies Time-of-Check to Time-of-Use (TOCTOU) vulnerabilities, where the security check occurs at a different time than the actual operation, creating a window for exploitation. The vulnerability essentially allows for privilege escalation and arbitrary code execution through file system manipulation, as the scripts run with elevated privileges during user management operations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple file overwriting, potentially enabling complete system compromise through privilege escalation. Local attackers with minimal privileges can leverage this weakness to overwrite critical system files, configuration files, or even execute malicious code with the privileges of the affected scripts. This represents a significant risk to enterprise environments where Magic eDeveloper is deployed, as the attack requires only local access to the system. The vulnerability affects the integrity and confidentiality of the system by allowing unauthorized modification of critical components, potentially leading to persistent backdoors or complete system takeover. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it can be executed by any local user, making it difficult to detect and control within shared or multi-user environments.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2001-1448 must address both the immediate security flaw and implement broader system hardening measures. Organizations should immediately upgrade to Magic eDeveloper Enterprise Edition versions that address this vulnerability, as the manufacturer likely released patches to fix the temporary file creation logic. System administrators should implement proper file permission controls and ensure that temporary files are created with secure umask settings and appropriate ownership. The use of absolute paths for temporary files and validation of file system state before operations can prevent symlink attacks. Additionally, implementing the principle of least privilege for script execution and monitoring for unauthorized file system modifications can help detect exploitation attempts. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for execution through scripts and T1548.002 for privilege escalation through file permissions, making it a significant concern for security teams implementing comprehensive threat detection and response strategies.