CVE-2007-3852 in sysstat
Summary
by MITRE
The init script (sysstat.in) in sysstat 5.1.2 up to 7.1.6 creates /tmp/sysstat.run insecurely, which allows local users to execute arbitrary code.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/07/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-3852 affects the sysstat monitoring suite version 5.1.2 through 7.1.6, specifically within the init script known as sysstat.in. This issue represents a classic insecure temporary file creation flaw that enables local privilege escalation through symlink attacks. The vulnerability stems from the init script's improper handling of temporary file creation in the /tmp directory, which creates a predictable file path without adequate security measures to prevent symbolic link manipulation by unprivileged users.
The technical flaw manifests when the sysstat init script creates the /tmp/sysstat.run file without proper permissions or atomic creation mechanisms. This insecure creation process allows local users to establish symbolic links in the /tmp directory that point to critical system files or scripts, effectively enabling them to inject malicious code that will execute with elevated privileges when the init script runs. The vulnerability operates under the principle of time-of-check to time-of-use (TOCTOU) race conditions where the insecure file creation occurs after the permission check, allowing attackers to exploit this window of opportunity.
This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-377, which describes insecure temporary file creation without proper security measures, and also relates to CWE-378, which covers the creation of temporary files with insecure permissions. The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it allows local users to gain elevated privileges and execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the sysstat service or the user running the init script. Attackers can leverage this to establish persistent backdoors, modify system files, or compromise the integrity of the monitoring infrastructure that sysstat provides.
The attack vector involves a local user creating a symbolic link in /tmp directory that points to a file they control, typically a script or binary that will be executed when the init script attempts to create or modify the sysstat.run file. This technique falls under the ATT&CK framework category of privilege escalation through exploitation of insecure file permissions and improper temporary file handling. The vulnerability demonstrates a critical oversight in the security design of system initialization scripts, where the assumption is made that temporary file creation can be performed without considering potential symlink attacks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-3852 include immediate patching of sysstat to versions that properly implement secure temporary file creation practices. System administrators should ensure that the init script uses atomic file creation methods with proper file permissions and that temporary files are created in secure directories with restricted access. Additionally, implementing proper file system permissions and using tools like SELinux or AppArmor can help prevent unauthorized symbolic link creation in system directories. The recommended approach involves verifying that temporary files are created with restrictive permissions and that the creation process is atomic to prevent race conditions that could be exploited by attackers. Organizations should also implement regular security audits of system initialization scripts to identify similar insecure practices and ensure that all temporary file operations follow secure coding principles to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being introduced in the future.