CVE-2010-3373 in paxtest
Summary
by MITRE
paxtest handles temporary files insecurely
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/29/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-3373 resides within the paxtest utility, which is part of the pax package commonly used in Unix-like operating systems for archiving and extracting files. This particular flaw manifests in the insecure handling of temporary files during the execution of the utility. The vulnerability stems from the improper management of temporary file creation and access permissions, creating opportunities for malicious actors to exploit the system through various attack vectors.
The technical flaw occurs when paxtest generates temporary files during its operation without adequately securing their creation process or access controls. Specifically, the utility may create temporary files with predictable names or in directories with insufficient permissions, allowing local users to manipulate or replace these files before they are processed. This insecure temporary file handling represents a classic vulnerability pattern that aligns with CWE-377, which addresses the use of insecure temporary files in software applications. The vulnerability enables potential privilege escalation scenarios where attackers can gain elevated system privileges through manipulation of the temporary file creation process.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple file manipulation, as it can lead to more severe security consequences within the targeted system. When paxtest executes with elevated privileges, particularly in setuid contexts, the insecure temporary file handling can enable attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the target process. This creates a significant risk for systems where paxtest is used in security-sensitive contexts or where it runs with elevated permissions. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it can be exploited by local users to gain unauthorized access to system resources or to perform actions that should be restricted to authorized users.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-3373 should focus on addressing the root cause of insecure temporary file handling within the paxtest utility. System administrators should ensure that the pax package is updated to versions that properly implement secure temporary file creation mechanisms, typically through the use of secure temporary directory creation functions that provide appropriate permissions and unpredictable naming. The implementation should follow established security practices such as creating temporary files in secure directories with restrictive permissions and using atomic file creation techniques to prevent race conditions. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing runtime protections such as file system access controls, mandatory access controls, and privilege separation techniques to reduce the attack surface. From an ATT&CK perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving privilege escalation and persistence, specifically targeting the T1068 privilege escalation technique and potentially T1059 command and scripting interpreter for execution. Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments should include checks for similar insecure temporary file handling patterns across other system utilities to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being present in the broader system landscape.