CVE-2002-2001 in Mandrake Linux
Summary
by MITRE
jmcce 1.3.8 in Mandrake 8.1 creates log files in /tmp with predictable names, which allows local users to overwrite arbitrary files via a symlink attack.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/07/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2002-2001 affects the jmcce 1.3.8 component distributed with Mandrake 8.1 operating system. This issue represents a classic file system race condition that exploits predictable temporary file naming conventions to enable privilege escalation through symbolic link manipulation. The vulnerability stems from the application's improper handling of temporary file creation in the /tmp directory, which is a well-known security concern in Unix-like systems where this directory is typically world-writable and accessible to all users.
The technical flaw manifests when jmcce creates log files using predictable naming patterns within the /tmp directory. Local attackers can exploit this by creating symbolic links with the same names that jmcce will use for its log files before the application executes. This symlink attack technique leverages the time gap between when the application checks for file existence and when it actually writes to the file, allowing an attacker to redirect the application's output to any location on the file system. This creates a privilege escalation vector where unprivileged users can potentially overwrite files owned by other users or even system processes, depending on the context in which jmcce executes.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple file overwriting capabilities, as it can be leveraged to compromise system integrity and potentially escalate privileges. An attacker with local access can use this technique to overwrite critical system files, configuration files, or even binaries that are executed by privileged processes. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-367, which specifically addresses Time-of-Check to Time-of-Use (TOCTOU) race conditions, and represents a common pattern in Unix systems where predictable temporary file names create exploitable conditions. The attack requires local system access but can result in significant security consequences, particularly when the vulnerable application runs with elevated privileges or has access to sensitive system resources.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on eliminating predictable temporary file naming and implementing proper file creation practices. System administrators should ensure that applications create temporary files using secure methods such as creating files with unique, random names and setting appropriate file permissions. The recommended approach involves using secure temporary file creation functions that guarantee atomic file creation, preventing race conditions where symbolic links can be inserted between the file check and actual write operations. Additionally, the system should be configured to restrict access to the /tmp directory or implement proper file system permissions that prevent unauthorized users from creating symbolic links in critical directories. This vulnerability highlights the importance of following secure coding practices and adhering to security guidelines that prevent predictable file naming in security-sensitive applications, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for executing malicious code through privilege escalation vectors. Organizations should also consider implementing proper file system monitoring and access controls to detect and prevent unauthorized symbolic link creation in system directories.