CVE-2002-0162 in Logwatch
Summary
by MITRE
LogWatch before 2.5 allows local users to execute arbitrary code via a symlink attack on the logwatch temporary directory.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/24/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2002-0162 affects LogWatch versions prior to 2.5 and represents a critical security flaw that enables local users to execute arbitrary code through a symlink attack targeting the logwatch temporary directory. This issue stems from insufficient input validation and improper handling of temporary file operations within the LogWatch application. The vulnerability occurs when LogWatch creates temporary files in a directory that is writable by local users, allowing malicious actors to establish symbolic links that can be exploited to gain unauthorized code execution privileges.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the manipulation of file system permissions and race conditions within the LogWatch temporary directory handling mechanism. When LogWatch processes log files, it typically creates temporary files in a designated directory to store intermediate processing results. Local users with access to the system can exploit this behavior by creating symbolic links in the temporary directory that point to sensitive system files or scripts. When LogWatch subsequently processes these symbolic links as if they were regular temporary files, the system executes the linked content with the privileges of the LogWatch process, which typically runs with elevated permissions.
This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-377, which describes insecure temporary file handling, and CWE-22, which addresses improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory. The attack vector aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059, specifically the execution of malicious code through compromised system utilities, and T1068, which involves privilege escalation through local system exploitation. The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution as it can lead to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, and persistent backdoor establishment.
The exploitation of CVE-2002-0162 requires minimal prerequisites and can be executed by any local user with basic system access, making it particularly dangerous in multi-user environments where privilege separation is not properly enforced. The vulnerability's severity is amplified by the fact that LogWatch is commonly used for security monitoring and log analysis, meaning that successful exploitation could provide attackers with access to sensitive system information while potentially remaining undetected by security monitoring systems. Organizations running affected versions of LogWatch should immediately implement the recommended mitigations, including upgrading to version 2.5 or later, implementing proper file permission controls on temporary directories, and conducting comprehensive security audits of all system components that handle temporary file operations.
The broader implications of this vulnerability highlight the importance of secure coding practices in system administration tools, particularly regarding temporary file handling and privilege management. The issue demonstrates how seemingly minor implementation flaws in security tools can create significant attack vectors that undermine the integrity of entire systems. Organizations should consider implementing additional security controls such as mandatory access controls, regular security scanning of system utilities, and proper system hardening procedures to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being exploited in other software components. The vulnerability also underscores the necessity of keeping security tools updated and following security best practices for temporary file management and privilege escalation prevention.