CVE-2008-4190 in Openswan
Summary
by MITRE
The IPSEC livetest tool in Openswan 2.4.12 and earlier, and 2.6.x through 2.6.16, allows local users to overwrite arbitrary files and execute arbitrary code via a symlink attack on the (1) ipseclive.conn and (2) ipsec.olts.remote.log temporary files. NOTE: in many distributions and the upstream version, this tool has been disabled.
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/03/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2008-4190 represents a critical local privilege escalation flaw within the IPSEC livetest tool of Openswan versions 2.4.12 and earlier, as well as 2.6.x through 2.6.16. This issue stems from improper handling of temporary files during the IPSEC livetest execution process, creating a dangerous symlink attack vector that can be exploited by local users to overwrite arbitrary files and execute malicious code. The vulnerability specifically targets two temporary files named ipseclive.conn and ipsec.olts.remote.log, which are created with predictable names and insecure permissions, allowing attackers to manipulate the file system through symbolic link manipulation. The flaw operates under CWE-377, which addresses the creation of temporary files with insecure permissions, and CWE-378, which covers the creation of temporary files with insecure properties, both of which are fundamental security weaknesses in file system handling.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple local privilege escalation as it enables attackers to gain unauthorized access to system resources and potentially escalate privileges to root level. When local users exploit this vulnerability, they can manipulate the temporary files that the IPSEC livetest tool creates during its operation, causing the tool to write data to attacker-controlled locations rather than the intended temporary files. This allows for arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the user running the livetest tool, which typically runs with elevated permissions due to its role in IPSEC configuration and testing. The attack vector follows the ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and script interpreter, as the exploitation involves executing code through the manipulation of temporary file paths, and T1068 for local privilege escalation, since the vulnerability allows for privilege elevation through file system manipulation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-4190 involve multiple layers of defensive measures including immediate patching of affected Openswan versions to either 2.6.17 or later, or 2.4.13 and later, where the vulnerability has been addressed through proper temporary file handling. System administrators should disable the IPSEC livetest tool entirely in production environments where it is not required, as noted in the vulnerability description, since the tool has been disabled in many distributions and the upstream version. Additional security measures include implementing proper file system permissions for temporary directories, using secure temporary file creation methods such as mkstemp() instead of insecure approaches, and conducting regular security audits of system configurations to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of following security best practices such as the principle of least privilege and secure coding standards that prevent predictable temporary file names and insecure file creation patterns. Organizations should also consider implementing monitoring solutions that can detect suspicious file system activities and symbolic link manipulations that might indicate exploitation attempts against similar vulnerabilities.