CVE-2008-5703 in gpsdrive
Summary
by MITRE
gpsdrive (aka gpsdrive-scripts) 2.10~pre4 allows local users to overwrite arbitrary files via a symlink attack on the (a) /tmp/.smswatch or (b) /tmp/gpsdrivepos temporary file, related to (1) examples/gpssmswatch and (2) src/splash.c, different vectors than CVE-2008-4959 and CVE-2008-5380.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/26/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-5703 affects gpsdrive-scripts version 2.10~pre4, a GPS navigation application that processes SMS messages for location tracking. This flaw represents a classic symlink attack vulnerability that enables local users to manipulate the application's behavior by creating malicious symbolic links in temporary directories. The vulnerability specifically targets two temporary files located at /tmp/.smswatch and /tmp/gpsdrivepos, which are used during the execution of two distinct components within the application. The first vector involves the examples/gpssmswatch script while the second relates to the src/splash.c module, demonstrating how temporary file handling issues can manifest across different parts of an application's codebase.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper temporary file creation practices within the gpsdrive application. When the application runs, it creates temporary files in the /tmp directory without adequate security checks to prevent symlink attacks. Local attackers can exploit this by creating symbolic links with the same names as the expected temporary files before the application attempts to write to them. This allows the attacker to redirect the application's output to arbitrary locations on the filesystem, potentially overwriting critical system files or injecting malicious content. The vulnerability operates under CWE-377: Insecure Temporary File, which is categorized under the broader weakness of poor temporary file handling in Unix-like systems. The flaw essentially allows privilege escalation through file system manipulation, as the application typically runs with elevated privileges to access GPS hardware and SMS interfaces.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple file overwriting capabilities, as it can be leveraged to compromise the integrity of the entire GPS tracking system. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could redirect GPS position data to malicious locations, potentially causing navigation errors or enabling tracking of false locations. Additionally, the ability to overwrite arbitrary files could allow attackers to modify system configuration files, inject malicious code into the application, or even escalate privileges if the application runs with root permissions. This vulnerability is particularly concerning in environments where gpsdrive is used for critical navigation services or security monitoring applications. The attack vector requires local access to the system but does not require network connectivity, making it a persistent threat that can be exploited by any user with access to the system's temporary directories. The vulnerability's relationship to CVE-2008-4959 and CVE-2008-5380 demonstrates a pattern of similar temporary file handling issues across the gpsdrive application, indicating a systemic problem in how temporary resources are managed throughout the software.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-5703 focus on implementing proper temporary file creation practices that prevent symlink attacks from succeeding. The most effective approach involves using secure temporary file creation functions such as mkstemp() or mkdtemp() that create files with exclusive access permissions and prevent symbolic link resolution. System administrators should ensure that the gpsdrive application runs with the minimal necessary privileges and that temporary directories have appropriate permissions to prevent unauthorized symlink creation. Additionally, implementing proper input validation and using access control mechanisms can help prevent exploitation. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this type of vulnerability under T1059.007: Command and Scripting Interpreter: Python, as it involves manipulating the application's execution environment through file system manipulation. Organizations should also consider implementing file system monitoring to detect unauthorized symlink creation in temporary directories and apply regular security updates to address known vulnerabilities in gpsdrive and related applications. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices and proper temporary file management in preventing privilege escalation attacks.