CVE-2004-0655 in esearch
Summary
by MITRE
eupdatedb in esearch 0.6.1 and earlier allows local users to create arbitrary files via a symlink attack on the esearchdb.py.tmp temporary file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/30/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2004-0655 represents a classic symlink attack scenario affecting the eupdatedb component within the esearch 0.6.1 and earlier versions of the esearch software suite. This flaw resides in the improper handling of temporary files during the database update process, creating a path traversal and file creation vulnerability that can be exploited by local users with minimal privileges. The issue stems from the application's failure to properly validate or secure temporary file creation mechanisms, specifically targeting the esearchdb.py.tmp file used during database updates.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits a race condition and insecure temporary file handling pattern where the eupdatedb component creates a temporary file without adequate security measures to prevent symbolic link attacks. When a local user can manipulate the file system to create a symbolic link with the same name as the temporary file, the application's update process will write data to the target of the symbolic link rather than the intended temporary file location. This creates a privilege escalation scenario where unprivileged users can potentially write arbitrary files to system directories or overwrite critical system files with malicious content.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability represents a significant security risk for systems running vulnerable versions of esearch, as it allows local users to potentially compromise system integrity and confidentiality. The attack requires local system access but does not necessitate network connectivity or complex exploitation techniques, making it particularly dangerous in multi-user environments where privilege separation is expected. The vulnerability can be leveraged to create backdoors, modify system binaries, or establish persistent access points within the compromised system.
The security implications of this vulnerability align with CWE-362, which addresses race conditions that can lead to privilege escalation and unauthorized file access. Additionally, this issue maps to ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for execution through scripting and T1548.001 for privilege escalation through abuse of system permissions. The vulnerability demonstrates poor input validation and inadequate temporary file handling practices that violate fundamental security principles of least privilege and secure coding practices. Organizations should immediately patch affected systems and implement proper temporary file handling mechanisms that validate file paths and prevent symbolic link manipulation during file creation operations.
Mitigation strategies should include immediate patching of the esearch software to versions that properly secure temporary file creation processes, implementing proper file system permissions and access controls, and conducting security audits to identify similar insecure temporary file handling patterns in other applications. System administrators should also consider implementing file integrity monitoring solutions to detect unauthorized file modifications and establish proper logging mechanisms to track suspicious file creation activities. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure temporary file handling practices and demonstrates how seemingly minor implementation flaws can lead to significant security breaches in local privilege escalation scenarios.