CVE-2008-1901 in aptlinex
Summary
by MITRE
aptlinex before 0.91 allows local users to overwrite arbitrary files via a symlink attack on the gambas-apt.lock temporary file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/23/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-1901 affects the aptlinex package version 0.91 and earlier, presenting a significant local privilege escalation risk through a symlink attack mechanism. This flaw resides in the handling of temporary files during package management operations, specifically targeting the gambas-apt.lock file that serves as a lock mechanism for apt package installations. The vulnerability operates by exploiting a race condition where local users can manipulate symbolic links to redirect file operations to arbitrary locations on the filesystem, potentially allowing them to overwrite critical system files or inject malicious content into package management processes.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper temporary file handling practices within the aptlinex application, which creates temporary files without adequate security measures to prevent symbolic link manipulation. When the application attempts to create or access the gambas-apt.lock file, it does not validate whether the target path is a symbolic link or whether the file already exists in a manner that could be exploited. This creates a window of opportunity for malicious users to establish symbolic links that point to sensitive system files or configuration locations, thereby enabling arbitrary file overwrite capabilities.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses a serious threat to system integrity and security, particularly in multi-user environments where local users might attempt to escalate privileges or compromise system stability. The attack vector requires local system access but does not necessitate network connectivity or complex exploitation techniques, making it relatively straightforward for malicious users to leverage. The impact extends beyond simple file overwrites to potentially allow for privilege escalation, as the compromised package management process could be manipulated to install malicious packages or modify system configurations that affect system security and functionality.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-377, which addresses insecure temporary file creation practices, and represents a classic example of a race condition in file system operations. It also maps to ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers 'Exploitation for Privilege Escalation', as the vulnerability can be exploited to gain elevated system privileges through manipulation of package management processes. The attack requires the attacker to have local access to the system and knowledge of the specific temporary file path being manipulated, but once successful, the consequences can be severe in terms of system compromise and data integrity violations.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability involve immediate patching of the aptlinex package to version 0.91 or later, which includes proper temporary file handling mechanisms that prevent symbolic link attacks. System administrators should implement proper file permissions and ownership controls for temporary directories, ensuring that only authorized processes can create or modify files in these locations. Additionally, monitoring for suspicious file creation patterns and implementing file integrity checking mechanisms can help detect exploitation attempts. The recommended approach includes disabling unnecessary local user access to package management tools and implementing proper privilege separation to limit the potential impact of such attacks. Organizations should also conduct regular security audits to identify similar vulnerabilities in other package management tools and temporary file handling mechanisms throughout their infrastructure.