CVE-2004-1000 in lintian
Summary
by MITRE
lintian 1.23 and earlier removes the working directory even if it was not created by lintian, which may allow local users to delete arbitrary files or directories via a symlink attack.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/02/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2004-1000 affects lintian version 1.23 and earlier, representing a critical file system manipulation flaw that exploits improper directory handling during cleanup operations. This issue arises when lintian attempts to remove working directories, failing to verify whether these directories were actually created by the tool itself. The vulnerability stems from a lack of proper validation mechanisms that should ensure only tool-managed directories are removed during the cleanup phase of package validation processes. When lintian encounters a working directory that was not originally created by itself, it still proceeds to delete the directory structure, creating an opportunity for malicious local users to exploit this behavior through symlink attacks.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a symlink attack vector where an attacker creates symbolic links within the working directory path that point to sensitive system directories or files. When lintian executes its cleanup routine, it traverses the directory structure and removes what it believes to be temporary directories, but inadvertently deletes the target files or directories that the symbolic links reference. This flaw operates at the file system level and demonstrates a classic case of inadequate input validation and privilege escalation through improper resource management. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-22 as "Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory ('Path Traversal')" and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for "Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell" in scenarios where local privilege escalation occurs through file system manipulation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple file deletion, as it enables local users to potentially remove critical system files or directories that could compromise system integrity and availability. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to target configuration files, binary executables, or other sensitive components within the system. The vulnerability affects any local user who has access to execute lintian with sufficient privileges to manipulate the working directory structure, making it particularly dangerous in multi-user environments where users might have access to package validation tools. The exploit requires local system access and knowledge of the specific directory structure, but the potential for damage is significant, especially when considering that lintian is commonly used in package building and validation workflows where temporary directories are frequently created and managed.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2004-1000 focus on implementing proper directory validation and privilege separation during cleanup operations. System administrators should immediately upgrade to lintian version 1.24 or later, where the vulnerability has been addressed through enhanced directory verification mechanisms. The fix typically involves implementing checks to ensure that only directories created by lintian itself are removed during cleanup operations, often through the use of temporary file creation markers or process-specific directory naming conventions. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing least privilege principles when running lintian, limiting the tool's access to only necessary directories and ensuring that working directories are properly isolated from sensitive system paths. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of proper sandboxing techniques and the need for input validation in all file system operations, particularly those involving temporary directory management and cleanup routines.