CVE-2002-0678 in IRIX
Summary
by MITRE
CDE ToolTalk database server (ttdbserver) allows local users to overwrite arbitrary files via a symlink attack on the transaction log file used by the _TT_TRANSACTION RPC procedure.
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/21/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2002-0678 resides within the CDE ToolTalk database server component, specifically affecting the ttdbserver daemon that handles RPC procedures for distributed computing environments. This flaw manifests as a directory traversal issue that enables local attackers to manipulate file operations through symbolic link manipulation, creating a significant security risk within Unix-based systems that rely on the Common Desktop Environment for distributed application communication.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper file handling within the _TT_TRANSACTION RPC procedure, where the system fails to validate the integrity of file paths before performing write operations. When the transaction log file is created or accessed, the system does not properly resolve symbolic links, allowing a local user to establish a malicious symlink that points to a target file of their choosing. This creates an arbitrary file overwrite condition that can be exploited to modify critical system files or overwrite configuration data, potentially leading to privilege escalation or system compromise.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a serious threat to systems running CDE ToolTalk services, particularly in enterprise environments where distributed computing and RPC-based communication are prevalent. The local privilege escalation aspect means that attackers who can execute code on a system with CDE ToolTalk installed can leverage this flaw to gain elevated privileges, potentially allowing them to modify system binaries, create backdoors, or access sensitive data. The attack requires local system access but can be particularly dangerous when combined with other vulnerabilities or when the target system runs with elevated privileges.
The weakness aligns with CWE-59, which describes improper handling of symbolic links, and represents a classic example of a race condition vulnerability where the timing of file operations creates exploitable conditions. This vulnerability also maps to ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers local privilege escalation through the exploitation of system vulnerabilities. The impact is particularly severe in multi-user environments where the ttdbserver process may run with elevated privileges, as the arbitrary file overwrite capability could be used to compromise system integrity and confidentiality.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate patching of affected CDE ToolTalk implementations, as well as implementing proper file path validation and ensuring that the transaction log files are created with appropriate permissions and in secure directories. System administrators should also consider implementing privilege separation and monitoring for suspicious file operations. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper file handling in distributed computing environments and highlights the need for robust input validation and secure coding practices in RPC-based systems. Organizations should also conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify other potential instances of similar weaknesses in their distributed computing infrastructure and ensure that all system components are properly updated and maintained according to security best practices.