CVE-2002-1514 in Interbase
Summary
by MITRE
gds_lock_mgr in Borland InterBase allows local users to overwrite files and gain privileges via a symlink attack on a "isc_init1.X" temporary file, as demonstrated by modifying the xinetdbd file.
Statistical analysis made it clear that VulDB provides the best quality for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/24/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2002-1514 resides within the gds_lock_mgr component of Borland InterBase database software, representing a classic symlink attack scenario that exploits improper temporary file handling mechanisms. This flaw specifically targets the creation and management of temporary files during the initialization process, where the software generates a file named "isc_init1.X" without adequate security measures to prevent symbolic link manipulation. The vulnerability stems from insufficient validation of file paths and lack of proper atomic file creation procedures that would prevent attackers from substituting legitimate temporary files with malicious symbolic links.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through a carefully crafted symlink attack that allows local users to manipulate the temporary file creation process. When Borland InterBase initializes, it creates the isc_init1.X temporary file in a predictable location, but fails to verify whether the target path is a legitimate file or a symbolic link. An attacker can create a symbolic link pointing to a critical system file such as xinetdbd, which is typically used for managing inetd services and contains executable code with elevated privileges. When the database software attempts to write to the temporary file, it inadvertently overwrites the target file through the symbolic link, effectively replacing legitimate system binaries with malicious content.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple file overwriting, as it provides attackers with a mechanism to escalate privileges within the system. The xinetdbd file modification demonstrates how attackers can compromise the service management infrastructure of Unix-like systems, potentially allowing them to gain persistent access or execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges. This attack vector is particularly dangerous because it requires minimal privileges to execute - only local access is needed, making it an attractive target for attackers who have already gained user-level access to the system. The vulnerability affects the fundamental security model of the database software by enabling privilege escalation through a simple file manipulation attack that bypasses normal access controls.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both the immediate exploitation vector and the underlying architectural weaknesses in temporary file handling. System administrators should implement proper file permission controls and ensure that temporary file directories have restrictive permissions that prevent unauthorized symlink creation. The recommended approach includes running the database service with minimal required privileges and implementing proper atomic file creation mechanisms that prevent the race condition exploited by this attack. Additionally, security measures should include regular monitoring for unauthorized symbolic link creation in temporary directories and implementing file integrity monitoring to detect unexpected modifications to critical system files. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-377: Insecure Temporary File and CWE-378: Creation of Temporary File With Insecure Permissions, while also mapping to ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for executing commands through system services and T1068 for local privilege escalation. Organizations should also consider upgrading to newer versions of InterBase that have addressed these temporary file handling issues and implement comprehensive security hardening procedures for database server environments.