CVE-2010-3440 in babiloo
Summary
by MITRE
babiloo 2.0.9 before 2.0.11 creates temporary files with predictable names when downloading and unpacking dictionary files, allowing a local attacker to overwrite arbitrary files.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/11/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-3440 affects the babiloo dictionary application version 2.0.9 and earlier, specifically before the 2.0.11 release. This issue resides in the application's handling of temporary files during the dictionary file download and unpacking process, creating a significant security risk for local system users. The flaw manifests when the application generates temporary files using predictable naming conventions, which exposes the system to potential file overwrite attacks.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper temporary file creation mechanisms within the babiloo application. When downloading and unpacking dictionary files, the software creates temporary files with hardcoded or easily guessable names rather than utilizing secure random naming techniques. This predictable file naming scheme allows a local attacker to pre-create files with the same names that the application intends to use, effectively setting up a race condition scenario. The attacker can manipulate the system's temporary file creation process to overwrite critical system files, configuration files, or even files belonging to other users with malicious content.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability enables local privilege escalation and arbitrary file overwrite attacks, which can compromise system integrity and confidentiality. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it requires only local system access, making it accessible to users who may not have elevated privileges initially. Successful exploitation can lead to persistent backdoors, data corruption, or complete system compromise depending on the target files overwritten. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-377, which addresses insecure temporary file creation practices, and represents a classic example of a race condition attack pattern that can be categorized under the ATT&CK technique T1059 for execution through command and scripting interpreter.
The security implications extend beyond simple file overwrite scenarios, as this vulnerability can be leveraged for privilege escalation attacks when the application runs with elevated privileges or when target files have special permissions. Attackers can strategically place malicious files in the temporary directory with predictable names before the legitimate application creates its temporary files, leading to unauthorized code execution. The vulnerability also demonstrates poor secure coding practices related to temporary file handling and resource management, which should be addressed through proper input validation, secure file creation mechanisms, and adherence to security best practices. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including updating to version 2.0.11 or later, reviewing temporary file creation patterns in similar applications, and monitoring for potential exploitation attempts in their environments.