CVE-2004-1108 in Gentoolkit
Summary
by MITRE
qpkg in Gentoolkit 0.2.0_pre10 and earlier allows local users to overwrite arbitrary files via a symlink attack on a temporary directory.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/20/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2004-1108 resides within the qpkg utility component of Gentoolkit version 0.2.0_pre10 and earlier releases, representing a critical local privilege escalation vector through symbolic link manipulation. This flaw enables malicious local users to overwrite arbitrary files on the system by exploiting improper handling of temporary directories during package management operations. The vulnerability specifically targets the insecure creation and usage of temporary files in a manner that creates opportunities for attackers to manipulate file system permissions and content through carefully crafted symbolic link attacks.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the qpkg utility's failure to properly validate or secure temporary directory creation processes. When qpkg executes package management operations, it creates temporary directories and files without adequate safeguards against symbolic link attacks. Attackers can exploit this by pre-creating symbolic links in strategic locations within the temporary directory hierarchy, causing the utility to write data to attacker-controlled locations instead of intended targets. This type of vulnerability aligns with CWE-353, which specifically addresses weaknesses in file system operations that fail to properly handle symbolic links, and represents a classic example of a race condition vulnerability where the timing of file operations creates exploitable conditions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple file overwrites, potentially enabling attackers to escalate privileges or compromise system integrity through strategic file manipulation. Local users who can execute qpkg commands can leverage this weakness to overwrite critical system files, configuration files, or even binaries that are subsequently executed by the system. The attack vector requires local access but does not require elevated privileges initially, making it particularly dangerous in multi-user environments where users may have legitimate access to package management utilities but lack administrative rights. This vulnerability can be exploited to modify system components, inject malicious code, or disrupt normal system operations, potentially leading to persistent access or complete system compromise.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2004-1108 should prioritize immediate software updates to versions of Gentoolkit that address the symbolic link handling issues in qpkg. System administrators should implement proper temporary file handling practices, including using secure temporary directory creation methods that prevent symbolic link attacks through techniques such as creating directories with restrictive permissions and using atomic operations for file creation. The implementation of the principle of least privilege should be enforced, limiting which users can execute package management utilities, while monitoring for suspicious file system activity in temporary directories. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing file integrity monitoring solutions that can detect unauthorized modifications to critical system files, as well as regular security audits to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities in other system components. This vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper temporary file handling in security-critical applications and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059 for execution through package management utilities, emphasizing the need for comprehensive security controls around system administration tools.