CVE-2002-0141 in Maelstrom GPL
Summary
by MITRE
Maelstrom GPL 3.0.1 allows local users to overwrite arbitrary files of other Maelstrom users via a symlink attack on the /tmp/f file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/17/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2002-0141 represents a critical security flaw in the Maelstrom GPL 3.0.1 software that enables local privilege escalation through a symlink attack mechanism. This issue specifically targets the temporary file handling process within the application, creating an environment where malicious users can manipulate file operations to gain unauthorized access to other users' data. The vulnerability stems from inadequate validation of temporary file creation processes, allowing attackers to exploit the predictable naming convention of temporary files in the /tmp directory. The flaw operates by creating a symbolic link that points to a target file belonging to another user, which then gets overwritten when the vulnerable application attempts to write to the temporary file location.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with common insecure temporary file handling patterns that are classified under CWE-354 as "Improper Validation of Integrity Check Values" and CWE-377 as "Insecure Temporary File Creation." Attackers exploit the predictable nature of temporary file names in the /tmp directory, where the application creates files with known paths that can be manipulated through symbolic link creation. The vulnerability specifically affects the /tmp/f file location, which serves as a critical point of compromise in the Maelstrom application's file handling mechanism. When the application executes operations on this temporary file, it follows the symbolic link and writes data to the target file of another user, effectively enabling arbitrary file overwrite capabilities.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data corruption, as it fundamentally compromises the confidentiality and integrity of user data within the Maelstrom environment. Local users who can create symbolic links in the /tmp directory can leverage this flaw to overwrite files belonging to other users, potentially gaining access to sensitive information or disrupting normal system operations. The attack vector demonstrates a classic privilege escalation scenario where local users can elevate their access level to perform operations that should be restricted to system administrators or the legitimate file owners. This vulnerability essentially breaks the isolation between different user accounts within the application, creating a scenario where unauthorized data modification becomes possible through simple file system manipulation.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing secure temporary file handling practices that prevent symbolic link manipulation during file creation operations. The most effective remediation involves using secure temporary file creation functions that ensure atomic file creation without predictable naming patterns, thereby preventing attackers from creating symbolic links that would be followed during file operations. System administrators should implement proper file permissions and access controls to limit the ability of local users to manipulate the /tmp directory structure. Additionally, the application should be updated to use secure temporary file creation methods that are resistant to race conditions and symbolic link attacks, aligning with the principles outlined in the OWASP Secure Coding Practices and the NIST Secure Coding Guidelines. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of input validation and proper file handling procedures, which are fundamental requirements in the ATT&CK framework under the Privilege Escalation category. Organizations should conduct regular security audits to identify similar vulnerabilities in legacy applications and ensure that temporary file handling mechanisms follow established security best practices to prevent exploitation through similar symlink attack vectors.