CVE-2008-0167 in GForge
Summary
by MITRE
The write_array_file function in utils/include.pl in GForge 4.5.14 updates configuration files by truncating them to zero length and then writing new data, which might allow attackers to bypass intended access restrictions or have unspecified other impact in opportunistic circumstances.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/17/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-0167 resides within the write_array_file function of the utils/include.pl module in GForge version 4.5.14, representing a critical security flaw that compromises the integrity of configuration file management. This issue stems from a specific implementation approach where the function truncates target configuration files to zero length before writing new data, creating a window of opportunity for malicious actors to exploit the system's file handling mechanisms. The vulnerability manifests in a manner that could potentially allow unauthorized users to bypass access controls that are typically enforced by the system's configuration management processes.
The technical flaw in this implementation creates a race condition scenario where an attacker can manipulate the file system state during the truncation and writing process. When the write_array_file function performs its operation, it first truncates the file to zero length, effectively clearing its contents, and then proceeds to write new data. This two-step process creates a temporal gap where the file exists in a partially updated state, potentially allowing malicious actors to intercept or manipulate the configuration data during this vulnerable window. The flaw specifically impacts the security model of GForge by undermining the expected atomicity of configuration updates, which should normally maintain consistent access controls and system integrity.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple access bypass scenarios and encompasses several potential security implications within the GForge environment. Attackers could leverage this weakness to modify critical system configurations, potentially gaining elevated privileges or altering access control lists that govern user permissions within the platform. The unspecified nature of the other potential impacts suggests that this vulnerability might also enable privilege escalation, information disclosure, or denial of service conditions depending on the specific circumstances and system configuration. The opportunistic nature of the vulnerability indicates that successful exploitation might depend on timing factors, system load conditions, or specific environmental configurations that create favorable conditions for attack execution.
Security practitioners should recognize this vulnerability as a variant of CWE-362, which describes a race condition flaw in file operations, and the attack pattern aligns with techniques described in the ATT&CK framework under privilege escalation and persistence mechanisms. The vulnerability's classification as a configuration management flaw emphasizes the importance of implementing proper atomic file update mechanisms that prevent partial writes or truncation operations that could be exploited by malicious actors. Organizations utilizing GForge 4.5.14 should prioritize immediate mitigation through patch updates or implementation of alternative file handling procedures that ensure atomic updates without creating vulnerable intermediate states.
Mitigation strategies should focus on implementing proper file atomicity mechanisms that prevent the truncation and write operations from creating exploitable conditions. System administrators should consider implementing file locking mechanisms, using atomic write operations that replace files entirely rather than truncating them, or employing version control approaches for configuration management. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of secure coding practices in system administration tools and highlights the need for comprehensive testing of file manipulation functions within security-sensitive applications. Organizations should also implement monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous file access patterns or configuration changes that might indicate exploitation attempts against this class of vulnerability.