CVE-2008-5378 in arb
Summary
by MITRE
arb-kill in arb 0.0.20071207.1 allows local users to overwrite arbitrary files via a symlink attack on a /tmp/arb_pids_*_* temporary file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/21/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-5378 resides within the arb package version 0.0.20071207.1 and specifically affects the arb-kill utility component. This issue represents a classic race condition vulnerability that exploits insecure temporary file handling practices within the software's operation. The arb package is designed for audio recording and playback functionality, and the arb-kill utility serves as a cleanup mechanism for managing process identifiers stored in temporary files. The flaw manifests when the utility creates temporary files in the /tmp directory without proper security measures to prevent symbolic link attacks.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the arb-kill utility's failure to validate the ownership and authenticity of temporary files before writing to them. When the utility operates, it generates temporary files named arb_pids__ in the /tmp directory, where the asterisk characters represent process identifiers and timestamps. Local attackers can exploit this by creating symbolic links with the same naming pattern in the /tmp directory before the arb-kill utility executes, effectively redirecting the utility's file operations to arbitrary locations on the filesystem. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-367 weakness category, specifically CWE-367: Time-of-Check to Time-of-Use (TOCTOU) Race Condition, which occurs when the system's security checks differ from the actual operations performed.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple file overwrites, as it provides attackers with potential privilege escalation capabilities. Since the arb package typically operates with elevated privileges for audio device access, a successful exploitation could allow local users to modify critical system files, inject malicious code into the audio processing pipeline, or manipulate the system's audio configuration. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it requires minimal privileges and can be executed without requiring network access or complex exploitation techniques. The vulnerability creates a persistent threat where attackers can establish backdoors or maintain long-term access through the modified files, making it a significant concern for systems where audio processing utilities are frequently used.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-5378 should focus on implementing proper temporary file handling mechanisms and adhering to security best practices established in various industry frameworks. The most effective immediate solution involves modifying the arb-kill utility to create temporary files with unique, unpredictable names and verify file ownership before writing to them, thereby preventing symlink attacks. This approach aligns with the principles outlined in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the privilege escalation tactic, specifically targeting the use of insecure temporary file creation patterns. System administrators should also implement proper file system permissions and consider using secure temporary file creation methods such as mkstemp() or similar functions that guarantee exclusive creation of temporary files with appropriate access controls. Additionally, regular security audits should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other software packages that may exhibit similar race condition behaviors in their temporary file handling mechanisms.