CVE-2009-1753 in Coccinelle
Summary
by MITRE
Coccinelle 0.1.7 allows local users to overwrite arbitrary files via a symlink attack on an unspecified "result file."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/06/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-1753 affects Coccinelle version 0.1.7, a semantic patch matching tool used for identifying and transforming code patterns in software development. This issue represents a classic symlink attack scenario that exploits improper file handling mechanisms within the tool's operation. The vulnerability arises from the tool's failure to properly validate or secure temporary file creation processes, creating opportunities for malicious local users to manipulate the system's file structure.
The technical flaw manifests when Coccinelle processes code patterns and creates result files during its analysis operations. The tool does not adequately verify the existence or ownership of target files before writing to them, allowing attackers to establish symbolic links that redirect the tool's output to arbitrary locations on the filesystem. This occurs because the tool follows symbolic links without proper safeguards, essentially allowing attackers to control where the tool writes its output data. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-367, which addresses Time-of-Check to Time-of-Use (TOCTOU) race conditions, though the specific implementation here involves symbolic link manipulation rather than traditional race conditions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant for systems where Coccinelle is used in development environments or automated build processes. A local attacker with minimal privileges can leverage this weakness to overwrite critical system files, configuration files, or even executable binaries that might be located in directories accessible to the tool's execution context. This could lead to privilege escalation scenarios, denial of service conditions, or persistent backdoor installations. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it requires only local access and can be executed without elevated privileges, making it a low-hanging fruit for attackers who have gained access to development workstations or build servers.
The attack scenario typically involves an attacker creating symbolic links in directories where Coccinelle expects to write its result files, then triggering the tool's execution to cause it to write data to locations controlled by the attacker. This type of vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter usage, and T1068 for local privilege escalation through file system manipulation. Organizations using Coccinelle should implement immediate mitigations including updating to versions that properly handle file operations, implementing proper file permissions, and conducting security audits of development environments where the tool is deployed.
Mitigation strategies should focus on ensuring proper file handling practices within the tool's implementation, including using atomic file creation mechanisms that prevent symbolic link attacks, implementing proper directory traversal controls, and establishing secure temporary file management protocols. System administrators should also consider restricting the execution environment for Coccinelle, using sandboxing techniques, and monitoring file system changes in directories where the tool operates. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of secure coding practices around file I/O operations and highlights the need for tools to properly validate all file system interactions to prevent attackers from manipulating these processes through symlink-based attacks.