CVE-2009-1297 in openSUSE
Summary
by MITRE
iscsi_discovery in open-iscsi in SUSE openSUSE 10.3 through 11.1 and SUSE Linux Enterprise (SLE) 10 SP2 and 11, and other operating systems, allows local users to overwrite arbitrary files via a symlink attack on an unspecified temporary file that has a predictable name.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/19/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-1297 affects the iscsi_discovery component within open-iscsi implementations on various SUSE operating systems including openSUSE 10.3 through 11.1 and SUSE Linux Enterprise 10 SP2 and 11. This issue represents a classic symlink attack vulnerability that exploits predictable temporary file naming conventions to enable local privilege escalation. The flaw exists in the way the iscsi_discovery utility handles temporary files during its operation, creating opportunities for malicious users to manipulate the system's file structure through symbolic link manipulation.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability stems from the predictable naming of temporary files used by the iscsi_discovery utility. When the utility executes, it creates temporary files with known, predictable names that can be easily targeted by local attackers. This predictable naming scheme falls under the category of CWE-377: Insecure Temporary File, which is a well-documented weakness in software security practices. Attackers can create symbolic links with these predictable names in the temporary directory before the utility runs, causing the utility to write data to the attacker-controlled target file instead of the intended temporary file. This type of attack is particularly dangerous because it can be executed by any local user, potentially leading to privilege escalation or arbitrary code execution depending on the context in which the utility operates.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple file overwriting capabilities, as it represents a fundamental flaw in the security design of the iscsi_discovery utility. Local attackers with minimal privileges can leverage this weakness to overwrite critical system files, configuration files, or even files belonging to other users or system processes. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for executing commands through scripts and T1068 for local privilege escalation. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it requires minimal user interaction and can be automated, making it a persistent threat in environments where the open-iscsi service is actively used. The vulnerability affects systems where iSCSI (Internet Small Computer System Interface) discovery operations are performed, which is common in enterprise storage environments where network-attached storage systems are prevalent.
The exploitation of this vulnerability typically occurs in scenarios where local users have access to systems running affected versions of open-iscsi, particularly in enterprise environments where iSCSI storage protocols are utilized. The attack requires the local user to have knowledge of the predictable temporary file naming scheme and the ability to create symbolic links in the relevant temporary directory. Organizations using SUSE Linux Enterprise Server and openSUSE distributions in versions 10.3 through 11.1 are at risk, as are any other systems running vulnerable versions of the open-iscsi package. The vulnerability demonstrates poor security practices in temporary file handling and highlights the importance of proper file creation techniques that avoid predictable naming schemes. This issue also underscores the need for implementing proper privilege separation and secure temporary file creation mechanisms that prevent attackers from manipulating the expected file system state during utility execution.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2009-1297 should focus on immediate patching of affected systems and implementation of secure temporary file handling practices. Organizations should update their open-iscsi packages to versions that address this vulnerability, typically through their respective distribution channels or by applying security patches directly. System administrators should also implement additional security controls such as restricting write permissions to temporary directories and ensuring that the iscsi_discovery utility runs with minimal required privileges. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of following secure coding practices, particularly in areas involving temporary file creation and management. Organizations should also consider implementing monitoring and alerting mechanisms to detect potential symlink attack attempts and ensure that their security posture includes regular vulnerability assessments targeting system utilities that handle sensitive operations. This vulnerability reinforces the principle that even seemingly benign system utilities can pose significant security risks when not properly secured against common attack vectors.