CVE-2008-6397 in sgml2x
Summary
by MITRE
rlatex in AlcoveBook sgml2x 1.0.0 allows local users to overwrite arbitrary files via a symlink attack on temporary files.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/31/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-6397 affects the rlatex component within AlcoveBook sgml2x version 1.0.0, presenting a significant security risk through improper handling of temporary files during the processing of SGML documents. This flaw enables local attackers to exploit a symlink attack mechanism that can result in arbitrary file overwrites, potentially leading to privilege escalation or data corruption within the affected system environment.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the rlatex utility's inadequate management of temporary files during document conversion processes. When processing SGML documents, the utility creates temporary files that are subsequently processed and converted into LaTeX format. However, the application fails to properly validate or secure these temporary file operations, allowing malicious users to establish symbolic links that point to critical system files or directories. The flaw occurs because the application does not verify that temporary files are created with appropriate permissions or that they are not susceptible to race conditions where an attacker can replace a legitimate temporary file with a malicious symlink before the application processes it.
This vulnerability operates under the broader category of insecure temporary file handling, which is classified under CWE-377 as "Insecure Temporary File Creation" and can be mapped to ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for "Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell" when considering the potential for privilege escalation through file overwrites. The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple file corruption, as it can enable attackers to overwrite critical system configuration files, executable binaries, or sensitive data files with malicious content, potentially leading to persistent access or system compromise.
The exploitation of this vulnerability requires local system access and knowledge of the application's temporary file handling patterns. Attackers can leverage this weakness to overwrite files in directories where the application has write permissions, potentially targeting system binaries, configuration files, or user data. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the file system level and can be exploited without requiring network access or elevated privileges beyond those of a local user. Security practitioners should note that this type of vulnerability often indicates broader architectural issues in application design, particularly regarding temporary file management and privilege separation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-6397 should focus on implementing proper temporary file handling procedures including creating temporary files with exclusive access permissions, using secure temporary file creation functions, and avoiding predictable temporary file names. Organizations should also consider implementing mandatory access controls or file system hardening measures that prevent symbolic link traversal in temporary directories. Additionally, the affected version of sgml2x should be updated to a patched release or replaced with a more secure alternative. System administrators should conduct regular audits of temporary file usage patterns and monitor for unauthorized file modifications in directories where such vulnerabilities might exist, aligning with security best practices outlined in NIST SP 800-53 and ISO 27001 frameworks for secure system configuration and access control management.