CVE-2004-1336 in tetex-bin
Summary
by MITRE
The xdvizilla script in tetex-bin 2.0.2 creates temporary files with predictable file names, which allows local users to overwrite arbitrary files via a symlink attack.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/22/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2004-1336 represents a critical security flaw in the tetex-bin 2.0.2 package, specifically within the xdvizilla script component. This issue stems from the script's improper handling of temporary file creation processes, where it generates files with predictable naming conventions rather than utilizing secure randomized naming mechanisms. The vulnerability exists at the intersection of poor temporary file management and insufficient privilege separation, creating an exploitable condition that can be leveraged by local attackers to execute malicious file overwrite operations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits a fundamental weakness in the script's temporary file creation methodology. When the xdvizilla script executes, it generates temporary files using hardcoded or predictable naming patterns that do not incorporate randomization or secure entropy sources. This predictable naming scheme allows a local attacker to create symbolic links with the same names that the script intends to use for temporary files. When the script subsequently attempts to write to these predictable temporary file locations, it inadvertently writes data to the attacker-controlled symbolic link targets, effectively enabling arbitrary file overwrite capabilities. This pattern of vulnerability aligns with CWE-377, which addresses insecure temporary file creation practices, and specifically relates to the broader category of symlink-based attacks that fall under ATT&CK technique T1554.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple file overwrite capabilities and can potentially enable more sophisticated attack vectors. An attacker with local access to a system running the vulnerable tetex-bin package can leverage this weakness to overwrite critical system files, configuration files, or even files belonging to other users with elevated privileges. The attack requires only local user access and does not necessitate network connectivity or specialized privileges beyond what is normally available to a standard user account. This makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous in multi-user environments where privilege escalation or data integrity compromise could occur through careful manipulation of the temporary file creation process.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2004-1336 focus on implementing secure temporary file creation practices that eliminate predictability in file naming. System administrators should immediately upgrade to patched versions of tetex-bin that implement proper secure temporary file handling mechanisms, including the use of randomized filenames and appropriate file permissions. The recommended approach involves utilizing system calls or libraries that provide secure temporary file creation functions, such as mkstemp or similar atomic operations that guarantee unique file names and prevent symlink attacks. Additionally, implementing proper file system permissions and ensuring that temporary directories have appropriate access controls can help reduce the attack surface. Organizations should also consider implementing file integrity monitoring solutions to detect unauthorized file modifications and maintain audit logs of temporary file creation activities. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of secure coding practices and proper temporary file management as outlined in various security standards and frameworks that emphasize the need for robust input validation and secure resource handling to prevent privilege escalation and unauthorized file access scenarios.