CVE-2008-5145 in ltp
Summary
by MITRE
ltpmenu in ltp 20060918 allows local users to overwrite arbitrary files via a symlink attack on a /tmp/runltp.mainmenu.##### temporary file.
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/14/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-5145 affects the ltp (Linux Test Project) software version 20060918 and represents a classic symlink attack scenario that exploits insecure temporary file handling. This issue resides within the ltpmenu component of the Linux Test Project, which is designed to provide a menu-driven interface for executing various system tests. The flaw occurs when the application creates temporary files in the /tmp directory without proper security checks, making it susceptible to race conditions and symbolic link attacks that can be exploited by local users.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the application's failure to validate or securely create temporary files in the /tmp directory. Specifically, the /tmp/runltp.mainmenu temporary file is created without adequate security measures such as using secure temporary file creation functions or proper file permissions. Attackers can exploit this by creating a symbolic link with the same name as the temporary file in the /tmp directory, causing the vulnerable application to write data to the attacker-controlled location instead of the intended temporary file. This type of attack falls under the category of insecure temporary file handling as defined by CWE-377, which specifically addresses the creation of temporary files with insecure permissions or predictable names.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant for systems running the affected ltp software, as local users can leverage this weakness to overwrite arbitrary files on the system with the privileges of the user running the ltpmenu application. This creates a potential privilege escalation vector or allows attackers to modify critical system files, configuration files, or even binaries that are part of the system's security infrastructure. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it requires no special privileges beyond local access and can be exploited by any user with the ability to execute the ltpmenu command, making it a common target for both malicious actors and security researchers testing system integrity.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with several ATT&CK techniques including privilege escalation and persistence mechanisms, as attackers can use the file overwrite capability to modify system components or create backdoors. The weakness also demonstrates poor secure coding practices that should be addressed through proper input validation, secure file handling, and adherence to security best practices. Organizations should implement mitigations such as updating to patched versions of the ltp software, implementing proper file permission controls, and monitoring for suspicious temporary file creation patterns in the /tmp directory. Additionally, system administrators should consider implementing file integrity monitoring solutions to detect unauthorized modifications to critical system files that could result from exploitation of this vulnerability. The issue also highlights the importance of following secure coding guidelines and conducting regular security assessments to identify and remediate similar weaknesses in software applications.