CVE-2003-0381 in noweb
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple vulnerabilities in noweb 2.9 and earlier creates temporary files insecurely, which allows local users to overwrite arbitrary files via multiple vectors including the noroff script.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/23/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2003-0381 affects the noweb documentation system version 2.9 and earlier, presenting a critical security flaw in how temporary files are handled during program execution. This issue stems from insecure temporary file creation practices that create opportunities for local privilege escalation and arbitrary file overwrite attacks. The vulnerability specifically impacts the noroff script which is part of the noweb toolchain, making it accessible through multiple attack vectors that exploit the underlying file system permissions and race conditions.
The technical flaw manifests through improper handling of temporary files that are created during the execution of noweb processes. When the system generates temporary files, it does not adequately secure their creation or location within the file system, allowing local users to predict file paths and potentially manipulate or replace these temporary files with malicious content. This insecure temporary file handling creates a race condition where an attacker can exploit the window between file creation and file access to substitute legitimate files with unauthorized content. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-377 as insecure temporary file creation and falls within the broader category of CWE-378 which addresses creation of temporary files with insecure permissions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant for systems running vulnerable versions of noweb, as local users can leverage this flaw to overwrite arbitrary files on the system with potentially elevated privileges. Attackers can use this vulnerability to modify critical system files, inject malicious code into the documentation generation process, or manipulate the execution flow of the noweb toolchain. The noroff script serves as a particularly dangerous attack vector because it is often used in automated build processes and documentation generation workflows, making it a prime target for exploitation in environments where multiple users have access to the system. This vulnerability can be exploited in both interactive and automated environments, amplifying its potential impact.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2003-0381 should focus on immediate remediation through upgrading to noweb version 2.10 or later, where the insecure temporary file handling has been addressed. System administrators should also implement proper file system permissions and access controls to limit the potential impact of any successful exploitation attempts. The use of secure temporary file creation methods that avoid predictable file paths and ensure proper file permissions should be enforced throughout the system. Additionally, monitoring for unauthorized file modifications and implementing proper input validation for all temporary file operations can help detect and prevent exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing the principle of least privilege and regularly audit their systems for similar insecure temporary file handling patterns that may exist in other software components. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of secure coding practices in file system operations and highlights the need for comprehensive security testing of all system components that handle temporary file creation and management.