CVE-2008-0666 in Website META Language
Summary
by MITRE
Website META Language (WML) 2.0.11 allows local users to overwrite arbitrary files via a symlink attack on (1) the /tmp/pe.tmp.$$ temporary file used by wml_contrib/wmg.cgi and (2) temporary files used by wml_backend/p3_eperl/eperl_sys.c.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/05/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-0666 resides within Website META Language (WML) version 2.0.11, a web development framework that processes markup languages for mobile web applications. This issue represents a critical security flaw that enables local attackers to perform arbitrary file overwrite operations through symbolic link manipulation techniques. The vulnerability specifically targets temporary file handling mechanisms within two distinct components of the WML system, creating a pathway for persistent unauthorized modifications to system files.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits weak temporary file creation practices within the wml_contrib/wmg.cgi component and the wml_backend/p3_eperl/eperl_sys.c module. Attackers can manipulate the /tmp/pe.tmp.$$ temporary file generated by wmg.cgi by creating a symbolic link with the same name, causing the system to write data to an attacker-controlled location instead of the intended temporary file. Similarly, the eperl_sys.c module creates temporary files that can be similarly targeted through symbolic link attacks. These flaws align with CWE-377, which addresses insecure temporary file creation practices, and represent a classic example of time-of-check to time-of-use (TOCTOU) race conditions that enable privilege escalation attacks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple file overwrites, as it provides attackers with persistent access to modify critical system components. Local users can leverage this weakness to inject malicious code into temporary files that are subsequently processed by the WML system, potentially leading to privilege escalation and unauthorized system control. The attack vector requires local system access but does not need network connectivity, making it particularly dangerous in multi-user environments where local privilege escalation can result in complete system compromise. This vulnerability directly maps to ATT&CK technique T1059, which covers command and scripting interpreter usage, as attackers can manipulate temporary files to execute malicious code through the WML processing pipeline.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-0666 require immediate patching of the WML 2.0.11 software to address the symbolic link attack vulnerabilities. Organizations should implement proper temporary file handling procedures that use secure file creation methods, such as creating files with exclusive access permissions and verifying file ownership before processing. System administrators should also consider implementing privilege separation measures, ensuring that the WML components run with minimal required privileges and that temporary file directories have appropriate access controls. Additionally, monitoring for unauthorized symbolic link creation in temporary directories can help detect potential exploitation attempts, while regular security audits should verify that no malicious files have been introduced through this vulnerability. The remediation approach should follow security best practices outlined in NIST SP 800-53 and ISO 27001 frameworks for secure system configuration and file access control management.