CVE-2004-0372 in xine
Summary
by MITRE
xine allows local users to overwrite arbitrary files via a symlink attack on a bug report email that is generated by the (1) xine-bugreport or (2) xine-check scripts.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/03/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2004-0372 resides within the xine multimedia player suite, specifically affecting the xine-bugreport and xine-check scripts that are designed to facilitate automated bug reporting and system diagnostics. This issue represents a classic symlink attack vulnerability that exploits the insecure handling of temporary files during the bug reporting process, allowing local attackers to manipulate the system's file structure through symbolic link manipulation.
The technical flaw manifests when these scripts generate email reports containing bug information, as they fail to properly validate or sanitize the file paths used during the report creation process. When a local user creates malicious symbolic links with names that match those expected by the scripts, the scripts will follow these links and write data to arbitrary locations on the filesystem. This occurs because the scripts do not verify that the target files are created with proper permissions or that the symbolic links are not present in the expected directories. The vulnerability specifically affects the insecure temporary file creation pattern where the scripts rely on predictable filenames without proper atomic creation mechanisms.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant for systems running xine multimedia player, particularly in multi-user environments where local privilege escalation could occur. An attacker with local access can leverage this flaw to overwrite critical system files, configuration files, or even executable binaries with malicious content, potentially leading to privilege escalation or system compromise. The attack requires local system access but does not need network connectivity, making it particularly dangerous in environments where local user access is not strictly controlled. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-377 which addresses insecure temporary file handling, and represents a direct threat to the principle of least privilege in system security.
Mitigation strategies should focus on implementing proper file path validation and secure temporary file creation practices within the affected scripts. The recommended approach involves using atomic file creation methods that ensure files are created with appropriate permissions and cannot be intercepted through symbolic link manipulation. System administrators should also consider upgrading to patched versions of xine or implementing proper file system permissions that restrict write access to directories containing the vulnerable scripts. Additionally, the ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under privilege escalation techniques, specifically targeting the T1068 - Exploitation for Privilege Escalation tactic where local attackers can leverage insecure file handling to gain elevated privileges. Organizations should also implement monitoring for suspicious file creation patterns and consider implementing mandatory access controls to prevent unauthorized file overwrites in critical system locations.