CVE-2005-2663 in masqmail
Summary
by MITRE
masqmail before 0.2.18 allows local users to overwrite arbitrary files via a symlink attack on a log file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/10/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-2663 affects masqmail versions prior to 0.2.18 and represents a classic symlink attack scenario that exploits improper file handling mechanisms. This issue falls under the category of insecure temporary file creation and directory traversal vulnerabilities, which are commonly classified as CWE-377 and CWE-378 within the CWE taxonomy. The vulnerability manifests when masqmail creates or manages log files without proper validation of symbolic link references, allowing local attackers with access to the system to manipulate the file system through carefully crafted symbolic links.
The technical flaw exists in the way masqmail handles log file operations during its normal execution cycle. When the application attempts to write to or update log files, it does not perform adequate checks to determine whether the target file path points to a symbolic link. This weakness enables attackers to create malicious symbolic links in directories where masqmail expects to find log files, effectively redirecting the application's write operations to arbitrary locations on the file system. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the local privilege level, meaning that any user with access to the system can potentially exploit it to overwrite files with arbitrary content, potentially including system-critical files or configuration data.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple file overwrites, as it can be leveraged for more sophisticated attacks within the compromised system. Attackers can use this weakness to overwrite configuration files, executable binaries, or sensitive data files, potentially leading to privilege escalation or system compromise. The vulnerability also aligns with several ATT&CK techniques including T1059 for command and script injection, T1078 for valid accounts, and T1566 for spearphishing with a malicious attachment, as attackers might use this vulnerability to establish persistent access or escalate privileges. The attack vector is particularly dangerous in multi-user environments where local users might not have direct access to critical system files but can manipulate the logging mechanisms of applications running with elevated privileges.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate patching of masqmail to version 0.2.18 or later, which contains the necessary fixes to properly handle symbolic link references in log file operations. System administrators should also implement proper file system permissions and access controls to limit the ability of local users to create symbolic links in directories where applications expect to manage log files. Additionally, the principle of least privilege should be enforced by ensuring that applications like masqmail run with minimal required permissions and that log file directories are properly secured. Organizations should conduct regular security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities in other applications and implement proper input validation and file system access controls to prevent similar symlink attack scenarios from occurring in other software components. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper file handling practices and the need for applications to validate file system objects before operating on them, particularly in contexts where file creation or modification operations are performed.