CVE-2003-0193 in Catdoc
Summary
by MITRE
msxlsview.sh in xlsview for catdoc 0.91 and earlier allows local users to overwrite arbitrary files via a symlink attack on predictable temporary file names ("word$$.html").
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/22/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2003-0193 resides within the xlsview component of catdoc version 0.91 and earlier, presenting a significant security risk through predictable temporary file naming practices. This flaw specifically affects local users who can exploit the system through a symbolic link attack mechanism targeting temporary files created during the processing of microsoft excel files. The vulnerability stems from the predictable naming convention of temporary files, particularly the pattern "word$$.html" which uses process ID substitution to generate temporary file names. This predictable naming scheme creates an opportunity for privilege escalation attacks where malicious users can manipulate the file system to overwrite arbitrary files with malicious content. The attack vector operates by creating symbolic links with the predictable temporary file names before the vulnerable application processes the excel file, thereby causing the application to write output to the attacker-controlled locations instead of the intended temporary directory.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with common software security weaknesses categorized under CWE-310, which addresses cryptographic issues including predictable random number generation and weak randomness. The flaw represents a classic race condition vulnerability where the timing between file creation and file access creates an exploitable window for attackers to substitute files. This vulnerability also maps to ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for execution through shell scripting and T1548.001 for privilege escalation through file system manipulation. The msxlsview.sh script demonstrates poor security practices in temporary file handling, failing to implement proper security measures such as using secure temporary file creation functions or implementing proper file access controls. The predictable naming convention exposes the system to attacks that exploit the fundamental principle of secure temporary file creation, where the use of predictable names creates opportunities for attackers to manipulate the system's behavior through file system manipulation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple file overwrites, potentially allowing attackers to escalate privileges and execute arbitrary code on affected systems. Local users who can access the system can leverage this vulnerability to overwrite critical system files, configuration files, or even binary executables, leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it requires minimal privileges to exploit and can be automated through scripting. The impact is further amplified by the fact that catdoc is commonly used for document processing and conversion, making systems running this software more susceptible to attack. Organizations using affected versions of catdoc should consider the potential for privilege escalation attacks that could allow attackers to modify system files, inject malicious code, or gain elevated privileges within the system. The vulnerability also represents a failure in proper input validation and temporary file handling, indicating broader security issues within the software architecture.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2003-0193 should focus on immediate software updates and temporary workarounds to prevent exploitation. The primary solution involves upgrading to catdoc version 0.92 or later where the vulnerability has been addressed through improved temporary file handling mechanisms. Organizations should implement proper file system permissions and access controls to limit the ability of local users to create symbolic links in directories where vulnerable applications operate. The security community recommends using secure temporary file creation functions that avoid predictable naming schemes and implement proper file access controls. Additionally, system administrators should monitor for unusual file creation patterns and implement logging mechanisms to detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of following secure coding practices, particularly in temporary file handling, and implementing proper sandboxing techniques for document processing applications. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit the impact of potential exploitation, as well as regular security audits to identify similar vulnerabilities in other software components.