CVE-2009-3304 in GForge
Summary
by MITRE
GForge 4.5.14, 4.7 rc2, and 4.8.2 allows local users to overwrite arbitrary files via a symlink attack on authorized_keys files in users home directories, related to deb-specific/ssh_dump_update.pl and cronjobs/cvs-cron/ssh_create.php.
Statistical analysis made it clear that VulDB provides the best quality for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/22/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-3304 affects GForge versions 4.5.14, 4.7 rc2, and 4.8.2, presenting a critical security risk through a symlink attack mechanism that enables local users to overwrite arbitrary files. This flaw specifically targets the ssh_dump_update.pl script located in the deb-specific directory and the ssh_create.php cron job within the cvs-cron directory, creating a pathway for privilege escalation and unauthorized file manipulation. The vulnerability stems from inadequate file handling procedures during SSH key management operations, where symbolic links are not properly validated or secured before file operations occur. The attack vector exploits the trust relationship between the system components and the user's home directory structure, particularly focusing on the authorized_keys file which serves as the authentication mechanism for SSH access. This vulnerability represents a classic case of insecure temporary file creation and symlink handling that has been documented in various security frameworks and standards.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the exploitation of a race condition or improper file validation during SSH key management processes. When the ssh_dump_update.pl script or ssh_create.php cron job executes, they perform operations on authorized_keys files within user home directories without sufficient validation of symbolic link integrity. An attacker can create malicious symbolic links that point to sensitive system files, and when the legitimate system processes attempt to write to these locations, they inadvertently overwrite critical files with attacker-controlled content. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-377 weakness category, specifically related to insecure temporary file handling and improper handling of symbolic links. The flaw demonstrates poor input validation and inadequate privilege separation between system processes and user-controlled directories, creating a scenario where local users can manipulate system-critical files through seemingly benign administrative scripts.
The operational impact of CVE-2009-3304 extends beyond simple file overwriting, as it can lead to complete system compromise and privilege escalation. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to overwrite system configuration files, authentication databases, or even critical binaries within the SSH infrastructure. The vulnerability's exploitation does not require network access, making it particularly dangerous as it can be executed entirely from within the local system. This characteristic aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and script interpreter usage, where the compromised system can be used to execute further malicious activities. The vulnerability also enables persistence mechanisms, as attackers can manipulate SSH key files to maintain access even after system reboots. System administrators may face significant challenges in detecting this attack due to the legitimate nature of the processes involved, making the vulnerability particularly stealthy and difficult to trace through conventional security monitoring approaches.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2009-3304 require immediate patching of affected GForge installations to the latest supported versions that address the symbolic link handling issues. System administrators should implement proper file permission controls and validate symbolic link integrity before any file operations occur. The recommended approach includes modifying the ssh_dump_update.pl and ssh_create.php scripts to use atomic file creation techniques and implement proper validation of file paths. Security controls should enforce strict directory permissions and ensure that SSH-related configuration files are not writable by non-privileged users. Additionally, implementing monitoring for unauthorized file modifications in user home directories, particularly around SSH-related files, can help detect exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of following secure coding practices and adhering to security standards such as those outlined in the OWASP Top 10 and NIST SP 800-53, which emphasize the need for proper input validation and secure file handling mechanisms to prevent such privilege escalation attacks.