CVE-2005-3011 in texinfo
Summary
by MITRE
The sort_offline function for texindex in texinfo 4.8 and earlier allows local users to overwrite arbitrary files via a symlink attack on temporary files.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/10/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-3011 resides within the texinfo package version 4.8 and earlier, specifically within the sort_offline function of the texindex utility. This flaw represents a classic symlink attack vulnerability that exploits the insecure handling of temporary files during the processing of texinfo documentation files. The vulnerability stems from the improper management of temporary file creation and access permissions, allowing local attackers to manipulate the system's file operations through symbolic link manipulation.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when the sort_offline function creates temporary files without adequate security measures to prevent symbolic link attacks. During normal operation, texindex generates temporary files to store intermediate processing results while sorting information for documentation. However, the function fails to validate or secure these temporary files against symlink-based attacks, enabling malicious users to create symbolic links that point to sensitive system files before the legitimate temporary files are created. This creates a window of opportunity where the attacker can control what files get overwritten during the processing cycle.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple file overwrites, as it provides local attackers with the ability to modify arbitrary files on the system with the privileges of the user running the texindex utility. This represents a privilege escalation vector that can be leveraged to compromise system integrity, particularly when the utility is executed with elevated privileges or in environments where it processes untrusted documentation files. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in multi-user environments or when texindex is used in automated build processes where temporary files might be created with predictable names or locations.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-367, which describes the "Time-of-Check to Time-of-Use (TOCTOU) race condition," and also relates to CWE-22, "Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory ('Path Traversal')." The attack pattern follows typical privilege escalation techniques documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the Privilege Escalation category, specifically targeting local users to gain unauthorized access to system resources. The vulnerability demonstrates a fundamental flaw in secure file handling practices and highlights the importance of proper temporary file management in software development.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2005-3011 require immediate patching of the texinfo package to version 4.9 or later, where the vulnerability has been addressed through improved temporary file handling mechanisms. System administrators should also implement proper file permissions and access controls to limit the impact of potential exploitation. Additional protective measures include monitoring for unauthorized symbolic link creation in directories where temporary files are processed, implementing mandatory access controls, and ensuring that documentation processing utilities are run with minimal necessary privileges. Organizations should also consider implementing automated scanning tools to detect vulnerable versions of texinfo and other similar utilities in their environments.