CVE-2008-4969 in ltp-network-test
Summary
by MITRE
ltp-network-test 20060918 allows local users to overwrite arbitrary files via a symlink attack on (a) /tmp/vsftpd.conf, (b) /tmp/udp/2/*, (c) /tmp/tcp/2/*, (d) /tmp/udp/3/*, (e) /tmp/tcp/3/*, (f) /tmp/nfs_fsstress.udp.2.log, (g) /tmp/nfs_fsstress.udp.3.log, (h) /tmp/nfs_fsstress.tcp.2.log, (i) /tmp/nfs_fsstress.tcp.3.log, and (j) /tmp/nfs_fsstress.sardata temporary files, related to the (1) ftp_setup_vsftp_conf and (2) nfs_fsstress.sh scripts.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/14/2018
The vulnerability described in CVE-2008-4969 represents a critical symlink attack flaw within the ltp-network-test suite version 20060918. This issue stems from improper handling of temporary files during network testing operations, creating a path traversal scenario that allows local attackers to manipulate system resources through symbolic link manipulation. The vulnerability affects multiple temporary file locations within the /tmp directory structure, specifically targeting configuration and log files used by ftp and nfs stress testing utilities. The flaw manifests when the testing scripts create temporary files without proper validation of symbolic link existence, enabling malicious users to redirect file operations to arbitrary locations on the filesystem.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the exploitation of insecure temporary file creation practices within the ltp-network-test framework. When the ftp_setup_vsftp_conf script and nfs_fsstress.sh script execute, they generate temporary files in predictable locations without verifying whether these paths are legitimate or if symbolic links exist at those locations. This insecure pattern allows attackers to create malicious symbolic links in the target directories before the legitimate scripts run, causing the scripts to write data to unintended locations. The vulnerability impacts the broader security posture by potentially enabling privilege escalation or data corruption through manipulation of critical system files. According to CWE-377, this represents an insecure temporary file handling weakness that directly violates secure coding principles and best practices for temporary file management.
The operational impact of CVE-2008-4969 extends beyond simple file overwriting, as it can potentially enable more sophisticated attacks within the compromised system. Local attackers who exploit this vulnerability can overwrite configuration files, log files, or even executable components with malicious content, leading to potential privilege escalation or system compromise. The affected temporary files include network service configuration files and stress testing logs that could be leveraged to inject malicious code or disrupt normal system operations. Attackers might use this vulnerability to modify ftp server configurations, corrupt network stress testing data, or overwrite system files with malicious payloads. This weakness particularly affects systems where the ltp-network-test suite is installed and executed with elevated privileges, as it provides a pathway for local users to gain unauthorized access to system resources. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this under privilege escalation techniques through insecure file permissions and path manipulation, highlighting the potential for attackers to leverage this vulnerability for broader system compromise.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-4969 require immediate remediation through patching the ltp-network-test suite to version 20080218 or later, which addresses the insecure temporary file handling. System administrators should implement proper file permissions and ownership controls for temporary directories, ensuring that temporary files are created with secure umask settings and proper atomic operations. The recommended approach includes modifying the affected scripts to use secure temporary file creation methods that prevent symbolic link manipulation, such as creating files with unique names and proper file permissions before any symbolic link validation occurs. Additionally, implementing proper input validation and path sanitization within the test scripts can prevent attackers from exploiting predictable temporary file locations. Organizations should also consider restricting execution of network stress testing utilities to privileged users only and implementing monitoring for suspicious file creation patterns in temporary directories. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of following secure coding practices for temporary file management and highlights the need for regular security assessments of system utilities that handle sensitive file operations.