CVE-2005-3311 in Software Control-m Agent
Summary
by MITRE
BMC Software Control-M 6.1.03 for Solaris, and possibly other platforms, allows local users to overwrite arbitrary files via a symlink attack on temporary files.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/06/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-3311 affects BMC Software Control-M version 6.1.03 running on Solaris platforms and potentially other operating systems. This issue represents a classic symlink attack scenario that exploits improper handling of temporary files during software operation. The vulnerability occurs when the application creates temporary files without adequate security measures to prevent symbolic link manipulation by local users.
The technical flaw manifests in the application's failure to properly validate or secure temporary file creation processes. When Control-M generates temporary files during its operation, it does not sufficiently verify that the target locations are legitimate files rather than symbolic links pointing to arbitrary system locations. This allows local attackers to create malicious symbolic links in the temporary file paths before the application attempts to write to them, effectively redirecting the write operations to unintended destinations.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to system integrity and security. Local users who can exploit this weakness can overwrite critical system files, configuration files, or even executable programs with malicious content. The impact extends beyond simple file corruption as attackers could potentially escalate privileges or establish persistent access mechanisms. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in enterprise environments where Control-M is used for critical job scheduling and automation processes.
The attack vector specifically targets the temporary file handling mechanism, which aligns with CWE-367 weakness classification for Time-of-Check to Time-of-Use (TOCTOU) vulnerabilities. This pattern of vulnerability is well-documented in the ATT&CK framework under the technique of privilege escalation through file system manipulation. The exploit requires local system access but can potentially lead to more severe consequences including system compromise or data integrity breaches.
Mitigation strategies should focus on implementing proper temporary file handling practices including using secure temporary file creation functions, validating file paths before operations, and ensuring proper file permissions. Organizations should also consider applying the latest patches from BMC Software, implementing proper access controls, and monitoring for suspicious file system activities. The vulnerability underscores the importance of following secure coding practices and conducting thorough security reviews of temporary file handling mechanisms in enterprise software deployments.