CVE-2004-2473 in wmFrog
Summary
by MITRE
wmFrog weather monitor 0.1.6 and other versions before 0.2.0 allows local users to overwrite arbitrary files via a symlink attack on temporary files.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/29/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2004-2473 affects wmFrog weather monitor version 0.1.6 and earlier releases, representing a critical security flaw that enables local attackers to manipulate the application's file operations through symbolic link manipulation. This issue stems from improper handling of temporary files during the application's execution lifecycle, creating a path traversal and file overwrite condition that can be exploited by malicious users with local system access. The vulnerability specifically manifests when the application creates temporary files without adequate security measures to prevent symbolic link attacks, allowing attackers to redirect file operations to arbitrary locations within the filesystem.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability relies on the fundamental principle of symlink attacks, where an attacker creates symbolic links with predictable names in directories where the vulnerable application generates temporary files. When wmFrog processes weather data and creates temporary files, it fails to validate whether these files are legitimate or symbolic links, leading to a scenario where subsequent file operations overwrite files of the attacker's choosing. This weakness directly maps to CWE-367, which addresses the dangerous use of symbolic links in security-sensitive contexts, and represents a classic example of improper file handling that violates basic security principles for temporary file management.
The operational impact of CVE-2004-2473 extends beyond simple file overwrite capabilities, as it can potentially enable privilege escalation scenarios when the vulnerable application runs with elevated privileges or when the targeted files are system-critical components. Local users who can execute the application can leverage this vulnerability to modify configuration files, replace executable binaries, or manipulate system resources that would otherwise require more sophisticated attack vectors. The attack surface is particularly concerning because it operates at the file system level without requiring network connectivity or complex exploitation techniques, making it accessible to attackers with minimal privileges who can interact with the vulnerable application.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing proper temporary file handling procedures that align with industry security standards and best practices. The most effective approach involves using secure temporary file creation methods that prevent symbolic link attacks, such as creating temporary files with unique names and proper permissions, or utilizing system-provided secure temporary file functions. Security controls should also include validating file paths and ensuring that applications do not follow symbolic links when creating temporary files. Organizations should implement the principle of least privilege when running vulnerable applications and consider applying the remediation measures outlined in the ATT&CK framework under T1059 for execution and T1070 for file and directory permissions. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of secure coding practices and proper input validation, particularly when dealing with temporary file operations in applications that may be executed by multiple users or in multi-tenant environments where local privilege escalation risks are heightened.