CVE-2007-5200 in openSUSE
Summary
by MITRE
hugin, as used on various operating systems including SUSE openSUSE 10.2 and 10.3, allows local users to overwrite arbitrary files via a symlink attack on the hugin_debug_optim_results.txt temporary file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/28/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-5200 affects the hugin image stitching software package, which is commonly deployed across various operating systems including SUSE openSUSE 10.2 and 10.3 distributions. This security flaw represents a classic symlink attack scenario that exploits improper handling of temporary files during the software execution process. The vulnerability specifically targets the hugin_debug_optim_results.txt temporary file, which is created during the debugging optimization process of the image stitching workflow.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the software's failure to properly validate or secure temporary file creation processes. When hugin executes its debugging optimization routine, it generates a temporary file named hugin_debug_optim_results.txt in a predictable location within the filesystem. Local users can exploit this by creating symbolic links with the same name in the target directory before the legitimate software process creates the temporary file. This allows attackers to redirect the software's write operations to arbitrary locations on the filesystem, potentially overwriting critical system files or configuration data. The vulnerability manifests as a privilege escalation issue where unprivileged local users can manipulate file system permissions and contents through this insecure temporary file handling mechanism.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple file overwriting capabilities to represent a significant security risk within local system environments. Attackers leveraging this vulnerability can potentially compromise system integrity by overwriting system binaries, configuration files, or sensitive data stored in the targeted locations. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it requires minimal privileges and can be executed by any local user who has access to the affected system. This creates a persistent threat that can be exploited by malicious insiders or attackers who have gained initial access to a system through other means. The vulnerability also aligns with CWE-377, which addresses insecure temporary file creation practices, and represents a clear violation of secure coding principles that should prevent predictable temporary file naming and handling.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-5200 should focus on addressing the root cause through proper temporary file handling mechanisms and system hardening measures. System administrators should ensure that affected versions of hugin are updated to patched releases that implement secure temporary file creation practices such as using unique filenames, proper directory permissions, and atomic file creation operations. The implementation of the principle of least privilege should be enforced by running hugin processes with minimal required permissions and by avoiding execution with elevated privileges when possible. Additionally, system monitoring should be enhanced to detect suspicious file creation patterns and symlink manipulation activities. Organizations should also consider implementing file system integrity monitoring solutions that can detect unauthorized changes to critical system files. This vulnerability demonstrates the importance of adhering to secure coding practices and following the ATT&CK framework's guidance on privilege escalation techniques, as the attack directly leverages local user privileges to achieve unauthorized file system modifications. The remediation process should include comprehensive system auditing to identify any potential exploitation attempts and ensure that all affected systems have been properly patched and secured against similar temporary file handling vulnerabilities.