CVE-2004-0279 in AIM Sniff
Summary
by MITRE
AIM Sniff (aimSniff.pl) 0.9b allows local users to overwrite arbitrary files via a symlink attack on /tmp/AS.log.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/08/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2004-0279 affects AIM Sniff version 0.9b, a tool designed for monitoring and analyzing AOL Instant Messenger traffic. This particular flaw represents a classic symlink attack vulnerability that exploits improper temporary file handling mechanisms within the application. The vulnerability occurs when the application creates log files in the /tmp directory without adequate security checks, making it susceptible to race conditions and symbolic link manipulation by local attackers.
The technical flaw stems from the application's failure to properly validate or secure temporary file creation processes. When AIM Sniff attempts to write to /tmp/AS.log, it does not verify whether the target location is a symbolic link or if the file already exists with insecure permissions. This creates a window of opportunity where a local attacker can establish a symbolic link pointing to a critical system file or a location where they have write access, then trigger the application to overwrite that target file through the symlink mechanism. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-377 as "Insecure Temporary File" and represents a variant of the more general CWE-367 "Time-of-Check to Time-of-Use" weakness.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant for systems running AIM Sniff, as local users can leverage this weakness to overwrite arbitrary files with potentially elevated privileges. Attackers could target critical system files, configuration data, or even setuid binaries to gain unauthorized access or cause system instability. The attack vector requires local system access, making it particularly concerning in multi-user environments where privilege escalation could occur through careful manipulation of the targeted files. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 "Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell" in scenarios where attackers might use such file overwrites to establish persistent access or modify system integrity.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2004-0279 should focus on immediate patching of the AIM Sniff application to version 0.9c or later, which addresses the improper temporary file handling. System administrators should also implement proper file permission controls and conduct regular security audits of temporary directories to ensure no insecure symbolic links exist. The principle of least privilege should be enforced when running network monitoring tools, and alternative logging mechanisms that do not rely on /tmp should be considered. Additionally, monitoring for suspicious file creation patterns and implementing file integrity checking mechanisms can help detect exploitation attempts. Organizations should also review their overall security posture for similar vulnerabilities in other applications that may exhibit similar temporary file handling behaviors, as this represents a common class of security flaws in Unix-like systems.