CVE-2005-3121 in module-assistant
Summary
by MITRE
a rule file in module-assistant before 0.9.10 causes a temporary file to be created insecurely which allows local users to conduct unauthorized operations.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/10/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-3121 affects the module-assistant tool version 0.9.10 and earlier, presenting a significant security risk through insecure temporary file creation practices. This issue specifically relates to how the tool handles rule files during its operation, creating a window of opportunity for local attackers to exploit the system's temporary file handling mechanisms. The insecure creation of temporary files represents a fundamental flaw in the application's security design that can be leveraged to execute unauthorized operations within the system's security boundaries.
The technical flaw manifests through the improper handling of temporary files within the module-assistant framework, where the tool creates temporary files without adequate security measures to prevent unauthorized access or manipulation. This insecure temporary file creation typically involves predictable naming conventions, insufficient permissions settings, or lack of proper directory isolation that allows local users to either predict temporary file locations or replace legitimate temporary files with malicious counterparts. The vulnerability enables attackers to escalate privileges or execute arbitrary code by exploiting the predictable nature of temporary file creation and the permissions associated with these files.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation as it creates a persistent security weakness within systems that rely on module-assistant for kernel module management. Local users who can access the system can exploit this flaw to perform unauthorized operations that may include executing malicious code with elevated privileges, modifying system configurations, or gaining access to sensitive information. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the system level where temporary files are commonly used for inter-process communication and temporary data storage, making it a critical vector for privilege escalation attacks.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-377, which addresses insecure temporary file creation practices, and represents a classic example of how poor file handling can lead to serious security implications. The attack pattern follows principles consistent with the ATT&CK framework's privilege escalation techniques, specifically targeting the creation and manipulation of temporary files to achieve unauthorized system access. Organizations implementing module-assistant should recognize this as a critical security issue that requires immediate remediation through version updates and proper security hardening practices.
The recommended mitigation strategy involves upgrading to module-assistant version 0.9.10 or later, where the insecure temporary file creation has been addressed through proper implementation of secure temporary file handling mechanisms. System administrators should also implement additional security controls including proper file permission settings, regular security audits of temporary file directories, and monitoring for unauthorized temporary file creation activities. Organizations should consider implementing the principle of least privilege for users who have access to systems running module-assistant, as well as establishing proper logging and alerting mechanisms to detect potential exploitation attempts targeting this vulnerability.