CVE-2005-3012 in simplecdr-x
Summary
by MITRE
the masterdatacd::createimage function in masterdatacd.cpp for simplecdr-x 1.3.3 creates the .temp temporary directory with insecure permissions, which allows local users to read sensitive iso images.
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/11/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-3012 resides within the simplecdr-x 1.3.3 software package, specifically within the masterdatacd::createimage function located in the masterdatacd.cpp source file. This flaw represents a classic insecure temporary file creation issue that has persisted in software development practices for decades. The vulnerability manifests when the application creates a temporary directory named .temp during the image creation process, but fails to properly set restrictive permissions on this directory. This insecure permission setting allows local users to access and potentially read sensitive iso image files that should remain protected from unauthorized access.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from poor privilege management and inadequate security considerations during temporary file creation. When the masterdatacd::createimage function executes, it generates a .temp directory without explicitly setting secure permissions that would restrict access to only the intended user or process. This creates a race condition scenario where any local user on the system can potentially access the temporary directory and read the iso image files contained within it. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the file system level, bypassing application-level security controls and directly exploiting operating system permission models.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability enables local privilege escalation and information disclosure attacks that can compromise sensitive data. An attacker with local access to the system can exploit this weakness to obtain iso image files that may contain proprietary software, copyrighted materials, or other sensitive information. The vulnerability affects the confidentiality aspect of the CIA triad, as it allows unauthorized data access without requiring elevated privileges. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous in multi-user environments where different users may have varying levels of access rights to the same system resources. The impact extends beyond simple data theft to potential intellectual property theft and compliance violations.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-377, which specifically addresses insecure temporary files, and falls under the broader category of insecure file handling practices. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1005 (Data from Local System) and T1059 (Command and Scripting Interpreter) as attackers can leverage this weakness to extract sensitive data from the compromised system. The exploitation of this vulnerability requires minimal privileges and can be automated, making it particularly attractive to attackers who seek to gather intelligence from compromised systems. Organizations should implement proper temporary file creation practices, including setting restrictive permissions, using secure temporary directory locations, and ensuring that temporary files are properly cleaned up after use.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2005-3012 should focus on implementing secure temporary file creation practices that align with industry best practices. System administrators should ensure that all temporary directories are created with restrictive permissions that prevent unauthorized access from other local users. The recommended approach involves setting permissions to 700 (read, write, execute for owner only) or using secure temporary file creation functions that automatically set appropriate permissions. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing proper access controls and monitoring for unauthorized access attempts to temporary directories. Regular security audits should verify that temporary file creation processes follow secure coding practices, and automated tools can be employed to detect similar vulnerabilities in other applications within the system. The vulnerability highlights the importance of adhering to secure coding guidelines and conducting thorough security reviews during software development lifecycle phases to prevent such issues from reaching production environments.