CVE-2005-2944 in GNOME Workstation Command Center
Summary
by MITRE
The perform_file_save function in GNOME Workstation Command Center (gwcc) 0.9.6 and earlier allows local users to create and overwrite arbitrary files via a symlink attack on the gwcc_out.txt temporary file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/30/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-2944 resides within the GNOME Workstation Command Center (gwcc) version 0.9.6 and earlier implementations, specifically within the perform_file_save function. This flaw represents a classic race condition and insecure temporary file handling issue that enables local attackers to manipulate the system's file creation and modification processes. The vulnerability stems from the application's failure to properly validate or secure temporary file operations, creating opportunities for malicious file manipulation through symbolic link attacks.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when the gwcc application creates a temporary file named gwcc_out.txt during its file saving operations. Due to insufficient security measures during temporary file creation, local users can establish symbolic links with the same name in the target directory before the application attempts to write to the file. This race condition allows attackers to redirect the application's output to arbitrary locations on the filesystem, potentially overwriting critical system files or creating malicious files with elevated privileges. The flaw specifically relates to improper handling of temporary files in a multi-user environment where privilege escalation opportunities exist.
The operational impact of CVE-2005-2944 extends beyond simple file manipulation as it enables potential privilege escalation scenarios within the GNOME Workstation environment. When the gwcc application executes with elevated privileges or operates in a context where it can influence system-wide file operations, attackers can leverage this vulnerability to overwrite critical system files, modify configuration data, or inject malicious code into the system. This vulnerability particularly affects desktop environments where users may have legitimate access to the application but not to system-critical files, creating a vector for unauthorized system modification.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-377: Insecure Temporary Files and CWE-378: Poor File Permissions, both of which are categorized under insecure file handling practices. The attack pattern follows the typical methodology described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under T1059.001 for Command and Scripting Interpreter and T1546.001 for System Binary Proxy Execution. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including patching to versions 0.9.7 or later where the temporary file handling has been corrected, implementing proper file permissions for temporary directories, and ensuring that applications do not create temporary files with predictable names. Additionally, system administrators should conduct security audits to identify other applications with similar insecure temporary file handling patterns and implement mandatory access controls to prevent unauthorized file creation and modification in critical system directories.