CVE-2005-2992 in arc
Summary
by MITRE
arc 5.21j and earlier allows local users to overwrite arbitrary files via a symlink attack on temporary files, a different type of vulnerability than CVE-2005-2945.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/20/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-2992 affects arc version 5.21j and earlier, representing a significant security flaw that enables local attackers to perform file overwriting operations through symbolic link attacks against temporary files. This issue specifically targets the improper handling of temporary file creation and management within the arc application, creating a path traversal and file manipulation vulnerability that can be exploited by malicious users with local system access.
The technical flaw manifests when arc creates temporary files during its operation, failing to properly validate or secure these temporary file locations against symbolic link manipulation. Attackers can exploit this weakness by creating malicious symbolic links in strategic locations before arc attempts to create its temporary files, thereby causing the application to write data to unintended target files. This type of vulnerability falls under the category of time-of-check to time-of-use race conditions, where the application checks for file existence and then uses the file in a manner that can be manipulated between these two operations. The vulnerability is classified as a file system manipulation issue that can lead to privilege escalation or arbitrary code execution depending on the target files being overwritten.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple file corruption, as it can potentially allow attackers to overwrite critical system files, configuration files, or even executable programs that arc might access during its operation. Local users with minimal privileges can leverage this weakness to gain elevated access or disrupt system functionality, making it particularly dangerous in multi-user environments where different users share the same system resources. The vulnerability affects the integrity of the file system and can lead to persistent security issues if exploited successfully, as attackers can overwrite files with malicious content that will be executed during subsequent operations.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2005-2992 should focus on implementing proper temporary file handling mechanisms that avoid predictable file names and locations, ensuring that temporary files are created with appropriate permissions and ownership, and using atomic file creation techniques that prevent symbolic link manipulation. System administrators should update to arc versions 5.22 or later where this vulnerability has been patched, implement proper file system permissions, and conduct regular security audits to identify potential symbolic link attack vectors. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-377 and CWE-378 categories related to insecure temporary file creation and improper file permissions, and can be mapped to ATT&CK techniques involving privilege escalation and persistence through file system manipulation. Organizations should also consider implementing monitoring for suspicious file system activities and symbolic link creation patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts.