CVE-2008-5151 in mayavi
Summary
by MITRE
test_parser.py in mayavi 1.5 allows local users to overwrite arbitrary files via a symlink attack on the /tmp/err.log temporary file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/14/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-5151 resides within the mayavi 1.5 visualization software, specifically in the test_parser.py component that handles temporary file operations. This issue represents a classic symlink attack scenario where local attackers can exploit improper temporary file handling to overwrite arbitrary files on the system. The vulnerability manifests through the application's creation of a temporary file at /tmp/err.log without adequate security measures to prevent symbolic link manipulation. This flaw falls under the category of insecure temporary file creation as defined by CWE-377, which specifically addresses the creation of temporary files with insecure permissions or predictable names.
The technical execution of this attack involves an attacker creating a symbolic link pointing to a target file of their choice, placing this symlink in the /tmp directory with the name err.log before the vulnerable mayavi application attempts to create its temporary file. When the application runs and tries to write to /tmp/err.log, it inadvertently writes to the file pointed to by the symbolic link rather than creating a legitimate temporary file. This represents a privilege escalation vector since the application typically runs with elevated privileges, allowing the attacker to overwrite files that would normally be protected. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the file system level and can potentially allow attackers to modify critical system files, configuration files, or even executables that may be processed by the application.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple file overwriting capabilities and can enable more sophisticated attacks within the compromised system. An attacker could leverage this vulnerability to overwrite system configuration files, inject malicious code into executable files, or manipulate log files to obscure their activities. The attack requires local system access and knowledge of the application's temporary file usage patterns, making it a privilege escalation vulnerability rather than a remote attack vector. From an attack framework perspective, this vulnerability aligns with techniques described in the ATT&CK matrix under privilege escalation and persistence tactics, where attackers establish control over critical system resources through manipulation of temporary file handling mechanisms. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous in multi-user environments where applications may run with elevated privileges, as it can provide attackers with unauthorized access to write operations on arbitrary files within the system.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-5151 should focus on implementing secure temporary file creation practices that prevent symbolic link attacks. The most effective approach involves using secure temporary file creation functions that ensure atomic creation of temporary files with proper permissions and unpredictable names, rather than relying on predictable paths like /tmp/err.log. The application should implement checks to verify that temporary files are not symbolic links before writing to them, and should consider using more secure temporary directory locations with appropriate access controls. Additionally, the vulnerability highlights the importance of least privilege principles where applications should run with minimal required permissions to reduce the impact of such attacks. System administrators should also implement monitoring for suspicious file access patterns and ensure that temporary file directories have appropriate permissions to prevent unauthorized symbolic link creation. The fix should be implemented according to security best practices outlined in secure coding guidelines and should include proper validation of temporary file paths to prevent the exploitation of predictable temporary file names and locations.