CVE-2007-3921 in gforge
Summary
by MITRE
gforge 3.1 and 4.5.14 allows local users to truncate arbitrary files via a symlink attack on temporary files.
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/30/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-3921 affects gforge versions 3.1 and 4.5.14, representing a significant security flaw that enables local users to manipulate file operations through symbolic link attacks targeting temporary files. This issue stems from improper handling of temporary file creation processes within the gforge application, which is a web-based project management and collaboration platform widely used in enterprise environments. The vulnerability occurs when the application creates temporary files without adequate security measures to prevent symbolic link manipulation, allowing malicious local users to exploit this weakness for unauthorized file access or modification.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a race condition scenario where temporary files are created with predictable names or locations that can be intercepted by attackers through symbolic link manipulation. When gforge generates temporary files during its normal operations, these files are often created in directories with broad write permissions, making them susceptible to symlink attacks. Attackers can create symbolic links with the same names as expected temporary files, causing the application to write data to unintended locations or overwrite critical system files. This type of vulnerability is classified under CWE-377 as "Insecure Temporary Files" and represents a variant of the broader category of insecure file handling practices that have been consistently documented in security literature.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple file manipulation, as it can enable attackers to gain elevated privileges or compromise the integrity of the entire gforge installation. Local users who can execute commands on the system can leverage this weakness to overwrite system binaries, configuration files, or sensitive data stored in temporary directories. The attack surface is particularly concerning in multi-user environments where gforge is deployed, as it provides a mechanism for privilege escalation or persistent access to the system. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter execution, as attackers may use the compromised temporary files to execute malicious code, and T1078.004 for valid accounts to maintain access through compromised system resources.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate attention through patching and system hardening measures. The most effective solution involves applying the vendor-provided security patches that address the improper temporary file handling in gforge versions 3.1 and 4.5.14. System administrators should also implement proper file permission controls on temporary directories, ensuring that they have restrictive permissions and are not writable by untrusted users. Additional protective measures include implementing proper file creation techniques using secure temporary file APIs, setting up proper file ownership controls, and conducting regular security audits of temporary file usage patterns. The remediation process should also include monitoring for suspicious file creation patterns and implementing intrusion detection systems to identify potential symlink attack attempts. Organizations should consider implementing principle of least privilege access controls and regularly reviewing system configurations to prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in other applications that handle temporary file operations.