CVE-2004-0267 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE
The (1) inoregupdate, (2) uniftest, or (3) unimove scripts in eTrust InoculateIT for Linux 6.0 allow local users to overwrite arbitrary files via a symlink attack on files in /tmp.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/13/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2004-0267 represents a critical file system security flaw affecting eTrust InoculateIT for Linux version 6.0. This issue manifests through three specific scripts namely inoregupdate uniftest and unimove which collectively create exploitable conditions for local attackers. The vulnerability stems from improper handling of temporary files within the /tmp directory structure where these scripts fail to validate the existence and integrity of target files before performing operations. Attackers can leverage this weakness by creating symbolic links in the /tmp directory that point to sensitive system files or configuration files, thereby enabling them to overwrite arbitrary files with malicious content.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with common insecure temporary file handling patterns classified under CWE-377 insecure temporary file creation and CWE-378 insecure temporary file creation with predictable names. The flaw occurs during script execution when the system does not properly validate whether the target file is a legitimate temporary file or a symbolic link that has been manipulated by an attacker. This insecure practice allows privilege escalation from a regular user to a higher privilege level depending on the target file being overwritten and the permissions associated with it. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates within the context of local users who may not have elevated privileges initially but can exploit this weakness to gain unauthorized access to system resources.
Operationally this vulnerability presents significant risks to system integrity and security posture. Local attackers can use the symlink attack technique to overwrite critical system files such as configuration files binary executables or even system libraries, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The attack vector is particularly effective because it requires minimal privileges and leverages the trust placed in the temporary file system. From an operational security perspective this vulnerability undermines the principle of least privilege and creates opportunities for persistent access or data corruption. The impact extends beyond simple file overwriting as attackers can potentially escalate privileges or cause system instability through strategic file replacement attacks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2004-0267 must address the root cause of insecure temporary file handling within the affected scripts. The primary recommendation involves implementing proper file validation mechanisms that check for the existence of symbolic links before file operations are performed. This approach aligns with defensive techniques recommended in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1059 command and scripting interpreter category where attackers often leverage system scripts to gain elevated privileges. Organizations should also consider implementing restrictive permissions on temporary directories and employing atomic file operations that prevent race conditions. Additionally the affected eTrust InoculateIT software should be updated to a patched version that properly handles temporary file creation and validation. System administrators should monitor for unauthorized symbolic link creation in temporary directories and implement logging mechanisms to detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of secure coding practices and proper input validation in preventing privilege escalation attacks that leverage file system weaknesses.