CVE-2008-4944 in cdcontrol
Summary
by MITRE
writtercontrol in cdcontrol 1.90 allows local users to overwrite arbitrary files via a symlink attack on /tmp/v-recorder*-out temporary files.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/13/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-4944 resides within the writtercontrol component of cdcontrol version 1.90, representing a classic race condition and insecure temporary file handling issue that enables local privilege escalation through symlink attacks. This flaw specifically affects the /tmp/v-recorder*-out temporary files created during the recording process, where the application fails to properly validate or secure these temporary files against symbolic link manipulation.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when a local attacker creates malicious symbolic links in the /tmp directory that point to sensitive system files or directories. When the writtercontrol component executes and attempts to write to the temporary files, it follows the symbolic links and overwrites the targeted files instead of the intended temporary locations. This insecure direct object reference pattern directly violates the principle of least privilege and demonstrates poor file handling security practices. The vulnerability is classified as a race condition under CWE-367 where the timing window between file creation and access allows for manipulation, and it also relates to CWE-22 for path traversal through insecure temporary file creation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple file overwriting, as local attackers can leverage this weakness to modify critical system files, potentially leading to privilege escalation or system compromise. Attackers can target configuration files, executable binaries, or other sensitive system resources that are accessible through the temporary file naming pattern. This vulnerability is particularly dangerous in multi-user environments where local users might not have direct access to system files but can exploit the temporary file handling to gain elevated privileges. The attack vector aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059 for command and scripting interpreter usage, as attackers can manipulate the recording process to execute malicious code through modified temporary files.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-4944 should focus on implementing secure temporary file handling practices including the use of proper file permissions, atomic file creation methods, and validation of file paths. The cdcontrol application should be updated to use unique, unpredictable temporary file names with proper directory permissions, and should avoid creating temporary files in world-writable directories like /tmp. System administrators should also implement proper file system hardening, including setting appropriate permissions on temporary directories and monitoring for suspicious symbolic link creation. Additionally, the application should be configured to use secure temporary file creation functions that prevent race conditions, such as mkstemp() instead of mktemp() functions. This vulnerability underscores the importance of following secure coding practices and adhering to security standards that prevent insecure temporary file handling, which is essential for maintaining system integrity and preventing local privilege escalation attacks. The remediation efforts should also include comprehensive security testing of applications that handle temporary files, particularly in environments where multiple users or processes interact with shared resources.