CVE-2005-2230 in elmo
Summary
by MITRE
electronic mail operator (elmo) 1.3.2-r1 and earlier creates the elmostats temporary file insecurely which allows local users to overwrite arbitrary files.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/10/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-2230 affects the electronic mail operator elmo version 1.3.2-r1 and earlier, presenting a critical security flaw that enables local users to overwrite arbitrary files through insecure temporary file handling. This issue stems from the improper creation of temporary files during the operation of the email client, creating a privilege escalation vector that can be exploited by malicious local users. The vulnerability represents a classic insecure temporary file creation flaw that has been documented in various security frameworks and standards.
The technical flaw manifests in how elmo handles temporary file creation during its normal operations, specifically when generating the elmostats temporary file. The application fails to properly secure the temporary file creation process, allowing local users to manipulate the file system by creating symbolic links or by directly overwriting files with predictable names. This insecure handling follows patterns commonly associated with CWE-377: Insecure Temporary File and CWE-378: Poor File Permissions, where temporary files are created with inadequate security measures. The vulnerability enables attackers to place malicious content in locations where the application expects to find legitimate temporary data, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution or privilege escalation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple file overwriting, as it can be leveraged to compromise the integrity of the entire system. Local users who can execute commands on the system can exploit this weakness to overwrite critical system files, configuration files, or even binaries that the elmo application may attempt to access or modify. This creates a potential attack vector where an attacker with minimal privileges can escalate their access level or corrupt system functionality. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in multi-user environments where users may have legitimate access to the email client but not to system-critical resources. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068: Exploitation for Privilege Escalation, where adversaries leverage insecure file handling to gain elevated privileges.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2005-2230 should focus on immediate patching of the elmo application to version 1.3.2-r2 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for secure temporary file handling. System administrators should also implement proper file permission controls and monitor for suspicious temporary file creation patterns. The fix typically involves ensuring that temporary files are created with proper permissions, using secure random naming conventions, and implementing proper file path validation. Additional defensive measures include restricting local user access to the email client where possible, implementing file integrity monitoring solutions, and conducting regular security audits of system applications. Organizations should also consider implementing principle of least privilege access controls and monitoring for unauthorized file system modifications that could indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of secure coding practices in preventing local privilege escalation attacks and highlights the need for thorough security testing of temporary file handling mechanisms in applications.