CVE-2003-1281 in cgihtml
Summary
by MITRE
cgihtml 1.69 allows local users to overwrite arbitrary files via a symlink attack on certain temporary files.
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/16/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2003-1281 affects cgihtml version 1.69 and represents a significant security flaw that enables local users to perform arbitrary file overwrite operations through symbolic link attacks against temporary files. This issue stems from improper handling of temporary file creation and management within the cgihtml application, creating a path traversal and file manipulation vulnerability that can be exploited by attackers with local system access.
The technical flaw manifests when the cgihtml application creates temporary files without adequate security measures to prevent symbolic link attacks. Attackers can exploit this weakness by creating malicious symbolic links in directories where the application expects to create temporary files, thereby causing the application to write data to unintended locations. This vulnerability is categorized under CWE-59 as "Improper Link Resolution Without Limiting Recursion" and falls within the broader category of file system manipulation attacks that can lead to privilege escalation or data corruption.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability poses serious risks to systems running vulnerable versions of cgihtml, particularly in environments where local users have access to system resources. The attack requires local system access but can result in unauthorized file modifications, potential privilege escalation to higher-privileged accounts, or complete system compromise depending on the target files being overwritten. The vulnerability can be exploited to modify critical system files, configuration data, or application files, potentially leading to persistent backdoors or service disruptions.
The exploitation of this vulnerability aligns with techniques documented in the ATT&CK framework under T1059 for command and scripting interpreter and T1068 for exploit for privilege escalation. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including updating to patched versions of cgihtml, implementing proper file permissions and access controls, and conducting thorough system audits to identify and remove any symbolic links in temporary file directories. System administrators should also consider implementing file integrity monitoring solutions and regular security assessments to detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper temporary file handling and the need for robust security practices in application development to prevent such path traversal and file manipulation attacks.