CVE-2005-3146 in StoreBackup
Summary
by MITRE
StoreBackup before 1.19 allows local users to perform unauthorized operations on arbitrary files via a symlink attack on temporary files.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/09/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-3146 affects StoreBackup versions prior to 119 and represents a critical security flaw that enables local attackers to manipulate arbitrary files through symbolic link attacks on temporary files. This issue falls under the category of insecure temporary file handling, a common weakness that has been documented across numerous software applications over the years. The vulnerability specifically exploits the lack of proper validation when creating or accessing temporary files during backup operations, creating a window of opportunity for malicious actors to escalate their privileges and gain unauthorized access to system resources.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the application's failure to properly secure temporary file creation processes. When StoreBackup executes backup operations, it generates temporary files that are typically created with predictable naming conventions and insecure permissions. Local users can exploit this by creating symbolic links with the same names as the temporary files that StoreBackup intends to create, effectively redirecting the application's file operations to arbitrary locations on the filesystem. This type of attack is classified as a symlink race condition, where the attacker attempts to manipulate file access timing to gain unauthorized operations. The flaw demonstrates poor adherence to security best practices for temporary file management and represents a classic example of insufficient input validation and inadequate privilege separation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized file access, as it can potentially enable attackers to escalate privileges, modify critical system files, or even execute arbitrary code within the application's security context. Attackers can leverage this weakness to overwrite configuration files, inject malicious code into backup processes, or gain access to sensitive data that should remain protected. This vulnerability is particularly dangerous in multi-user environments where local access to the system is possible, as it provides a pathway for privilege escalation and persistent access to system resources. The attack vector is relatively simple to execute and does not require sophisticated techniques, making it a significant concern for system administrators who may not be aware of the underlying security implications.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing proper temporary file handling procedures and ensuring that applications do not create temporary files with predictable names or insecure permissions. The most effective approach involves using secure temporary file creation methods that ensure atomic operations and proper file ownership. System administrators should update StoreBackup to version 119 or later, which includes fixes for this vulnerability. Additionally, implementing proper file system permissions, using non-predictable temporary file names, and ensuring that applications run with minimal required privileges can significantly reduce the attack surface. This vulnerability aligns with several common weaknesses documented in the CWE database, specifically CWE-377 which addresses insecure temporary files and CWE-378 which covers creation of temporary files with insecure permissions. From an attack framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under privilege escalation and persistence tactics, where attackers leverage insecure file handling to establish unauthorized access to system resources. Organizations should also consider implementing monitoring and logging mechanisms to detect suspicious file access patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts.