CVE-2004-2569 in ipmenu
Summary
by MITRE
ipmenu 0.0.3 before Debian GNU/Linux ipmenu_0.0.3-5 allows local users to overwrite arbitrary files via a symlink attack on the ipmenu.log temporary file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/22/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2004-2569 affects ipmenu version 0.0.3 prior to the Debian GNU/Linux ipmenu_0.0.3-5 package, representing a classic symlink attack or race condition flaw that enables local privilege escalation through file overwrite operations. This issue resides within the temporary file handling mechanism of the ipmenu application, which is commonly used for network configuration management and menu-driven interface operations in Debian-based systems. The vulnerability stems from improper handling of temporary files during the application's execution lifecycle, creating a window of opportunity for malicious local users to manipulate the system's file structure.
The technical flaw manifests when ipmenu creates or accesses the ipmenu.log temporary file without sufficient security checks or atomic operations. Attackers can exploit this by creating symbolic links in strategic locations that point to critical system files, then triggering the ipmenu application to write to the log file. This race condition allows the attacker to overwrite arbitrary files with arbitrary content, potentially including system binaries, configuration files, or sensitive data. The vulnerability specifically targets the temporary file creation process where the application does not validate the existence of the target file or properly secure the temporary file creation sequence, making it susceptible to manipulation by local users with minimal privileges.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple file overwrites to potentially enable privilege escalation and system compromise. Local attackers can leverage this flaw to modify critical system components, inject malicious code, or disrupt normal system operations. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it requires minimal privileges and can be executed without network access, making it a significant threat in environments where local user access is not properly restricted. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-377: Insecure Temporary File and CWE-378: Creation of Temporary File With Insecure Permissions, both of which are categorized under insecure file handling practices that can lead to privilege escalation and system compromise.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2004-2569 focus on implementing proper temporary file handling procedures and ensuring atomic operations during file creation. System administrators should upgrade to ipmenu version 0.0.3-5 or later, which includes proper temporary file handling mechanisms that prevent symlink attacks. The recommended approach involves using secure temporary file creation methods such as mkstemp() or similar atomic operations that ensure file creation with proper permissions and prevent symbolic link manipulation. Additionally, implementing proper file access controls, restricting write permissions to temporary directories, and monitoring for suspicious file creation patterns can help detect and prevent exploitation attempts. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of secure temporary file handling practices and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for executing malicious code through compromised system components.
The broader implications of this vulnerability highlight the persistent challenges in secure software development, particularly in handling temporary files and race conditions. Many applications fail to properly validate temporary file operations, creating exploitable conditions that can be leveraged by attackers to gain unauthorized access or escalate privileges. This issue underscores the necessity of following secure coding practices and conducting thorough security reviews of file handling operations, especially in system utilities and administrative tools. Organizations should implement comprehensive security testing procedures that specifically target race condition vulnerabilities and temporary file handling mechanisms to prevent similar issues from occurring in other software components. The vulnerability also emphasizes the importance of maintaining up-to-date system packages and applying security patches promptly to protect against known exploits.