CVE-2003-0014 in bmv
Summary
by MITRE
gsinterf.c in bmv 1.2 and earlier allows local users to overwrite arbitrary files via a symlink attack on temporary files.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/30/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2003-0014 resides within the gsinterf.c component of the bmv 1.2 software suite and earlier versions, presenting a critical security flaw that enables local attackers to execute file overwrite operations through symbolic link manipulation. This issue specifically targets temporary files created during the software's operation, creating a window of opportunity for privilege escalation and data corruption. The vulnerability stems from inadequate handling of temporary file creation processes, where the software fails to properly validate or secure temporary file paths before writing sensitive data to them.
The technical implementation of this flaw involves the exploitation of a race condition scenario where local users can create symbolic links that point to arbitrary files on the system. When the vulnerable bmv software processes these temporary files, it does not verify the integrity of the file paths or ensure that the target locations are legitimate. This weakness allows attackers to establish symbolic links in the temporary file directory that point to critical system files, configuration files, or files owned by other users with higher privileges. The attack vector specifically leverages the predictable naming conventions and lack of proper file access controls during temporary file creation phases.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risks to system integrity and data confidentiality. Local users who can execute the attack gain the ability to overwrite files that may contain sensitive information, configuration settings, or even system binaries that could lead to privilege escalation. The impact extends beyond simple file corruption as attackers can potentially overwrite critical system files, user configuration data, or files belonging to other system processes. This vulnerability particularly affects environments where multiple users share the same system resources and where the bmv software runs with elevated privileges, creating a potential pathway for unauthorized system compromise.
The security implications of CVE-2003-0014 align with common weakness enumerations found in the CWE database under category CWE-377, which addresses insecure temporary file handling. This weakness classifies the issue as a security flaw that occurs when temporary files are created in insecure locations or when the software does not properly secure these temporary resources during their lifecycle. The vulnerability also maps to ATT&CK technique T1059, which covers the use of local commands and scripts for privilege escalation, as attackers can leverage this flaw to execute malicious code through file overwrite operations. Additionally, this vulnerability demonstrates characteristics of privilege escalation through file system manipulation, which falls under the broader ATT&CK framework's privilege escalation tactics.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate implementation of secure temporary file creation practices. System administrators should ensure that the bmv software is updated to versions that properly handle temporary file operations through the use of secure file creation functions that check for existing symbolic links and validate file paths. The recommended approach includes implementing proper file access controls, using unique and unpredictable temporary file names, and ensuring that temporary file operations occur in secure directories with restricted permissions. Additionally, the software should be configured to use atomic file operations and proper file descriptor management to prevent race conditions. Organizations should also implement regular security audits to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities in other software components that may exhibit similar insecure temporary file handling behaviors.