CVE-2003-0214 in mime-support
Summary
by MITRE
run-mailcap in mime-support 3.22 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 • 04/29/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2003-0214 resides within the run-mailcap utility component of the mime-support package version 3.22 and earlier. This flaw represents a classic symlink attack vector that exploits improper handling of temporary files during execution. The run-mailcap utility is designed to execute mailcap entries for handling various MIME types, making it a critical component in email processing systems where file operations are frequently performed. The vulnerability specifically manifests when the utility creates temporary files without adequate security checks, allowing local attackers to manipulate the file system through symbolic link manipulation.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the insecure creation of temporary files by run-mailcap. When the utility executes commands that require temporary file handling, it does not properly validate or secure the temporary file creation process. Attackers can exploit this by creating symbolic links in directories where run-mailcap expects to create temporary files, effectively redirecting file operations to arbitrary locations on the system. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-377, which specifically addresses insecure temporary file creation practices, and more broadly relates to CWE-367, dealing with time-of-check to time-of-use race conditions in file operations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple file overwrites to potentially enable privilege escalation and arbitrary code execution. Local users who can manipulate the symbolic link attack path gain the ability to write data to files they would normally not have permission to modify, potentially including system configuration files, log files, or even binaries that are executed with elevated privileges. The attack requires local access to the system but can be particularly dangerous in multi-user environments where attackers might exploit this to gain unauthorized access to sensitive system resources or to establish persistent backdoors through manipulated configuration files.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability involve immediate patching of the mime-support package to versions that properly handle temporary file creation. System administrators should ensure all affected systems are updated to the latest stable releases that address the symlink handling issues in run-mailcap. Additional defensive measures include implementing proper file system permissions, using secure temporary file creation functions such as mkstemp instead of temporary file naming schemes, and conducting regular security audits of system utilities that handle temporary files. The mitigation approach aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for execution through shell commands and T1078.004 for valid accounts, as attackers typically require local system access to exploit such vulnerabilities. Organizations should also implement monitoring for unusual file system activities and temporary file creation patterns that could indicate exploitation attempts.