CVE-2008-1417 in axyl
Summary
by MITRE
The prerm script in axyl 2.1.7 allows local users to overwrite arbitrary files via a symlink attack on the axyl.conf temporary file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/20/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-1417 resides within the prerm script of the axyl package version 2.1.7, representing a classic symlink attack scenario that enables local privilege escalation through file overwrite operations. This issue manifests during package removal when the prerm script creates temporary files without proper security checks, leaving the system exposed to malicious symlink manipulation by local users. The vulnerability operates under the principle of time-of-check to time-of-use flaws where the script checks for file existence and permissions before creating temporary files, but does not validate the integrity of the file paths during the actual creation phase.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the prerm script's handling of the axyl.conf temporary file, which is created with predictable naming patterns and insecure temporary file creation methods. When a local user can manipulate the symbolic link pointing to the temporary file, they can redirect the script's write operations to overwrite arbitrary files on the system with potentially elevated privileges. This attack vector specifically targets the package management system's temporary file handling mechanisms and exploits the lack of proper file path validation during the pre-removal phase of package uninstallation. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-377 as insecure temporary file creation and CWE-276 as incorrect file permissions, both of which are fundamental security weaknesses in Unix-like system administration practices.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple file overwrites to potentially enable privilege escalation attacks where local users can manipulate system configuration files or replace critical binaries with malicious versions. Attackers can leverage this weakness to modify system-wide configuration files, replace executables with backdoor versions, or corrupt system integrity by overwriting files in sensitive directories such as /etc or /usr/bin. The attack requires local system access but can result in significant security compromise, particularly in multi-user environments where users might not have elevated privileges but can still manipulate package management operations. This vulnerability directly maps to ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for execution through package management and T1068 for local privilege escalation through insecure file handling.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-1417 should focus on implementing proper temporary file creation practices that avoid predictable naming conventions and ensure atomic file creation operations. System administrators should upgrade to patched versions of the axyl package where the prerm script properly validates temporary file paths and implements secure file creation methods such as creating files with restrictive permissions and using unique temporary file names. The remediation process should include verifying that no symbolic links exist in the temporary file paths and implementing proper access controls on package management directories. Additionally, system hardening measures should include monitoring for unauthorized file modifications during package operations and implementing proper file integrity checking mechanisms. Organizations should also consider implementing the principle of least privilege for package management operations and ensure that only authorized users have the ability to perform package removal operations that could trigger vulnerable scripts. The vulnerability underscores the importance of secure coding practices in system administration scripts and the necessity of proper input validation and file path handling in all pre-removal and pre-installation package management operations.