CVE-2010-4338 in ocrodjvu
Summary
by MITRE
ocrodjvu 0.4.6-1 on Debian GNU/Linux allows local users to modify arbitrary files via a symlink attack on temporary files that are generated when Cuneiform is invoked as the OCR engine.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/08/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-4338 affects ocrodjvu version 0.4.6-1 running on Debian GNU/Linux systems, representing a significant security flaw that enables local attackers to manipulate arbitrary files through a carefully crafted symlink attack. This issue arises specifically when the Cuneiform OCR engine is invoked as part of the document processing workflow, creating a window of opportunity for privilege escalation and file system manipulation.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability stems from improper handling of temporary files during the OCR processing operation. When ocrodjvu invokes Cuneiform, it generates temporary files that are created with predictable names and locations, without adequate security measures to prevent symbolic link attacks. Attackers can exploit this by creating malicious symbolic links in the temporary file directories before the legitimate temporary files are created, thereby redirecting file operations to arbitrary locations on the filesystem. This fundamental flaw in temporary file creation and management aligns with CWE-377, which addresses insecure temporary file creation practices, and CWE-378, which covers the creation of temporary files with insecure permissions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple file modification, as it can potentially enable attackers to escalate privileges and compromise system integrity. Local users who can execute the ocrodjvu command can leverage this weakness to overwrite critical system files, modify configuration data, or inject malicious code into the system. The attack vector specifically targets the temporary file generation process during OCR operations, making it particularly dangerous in environments where automated document processing occurs regularly. This vulnerability also demonstrates characteristics consistent with ATT&CK technique T1059, which involves executing commands through legitimate system tools, and T1548, which encompasses privilege escalation techniques.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-4338 should focus on implementing proper temporary file handling mechanisms that prevent symlink attacks and ensure secure file creation processes. System administrators should immediately update to patched versions of ocrodjvu or apply appropriate workarounds such as implementing proper directory permissions, using secure temporary file creation methods with unique naming schemes, and ensuring that temporary file operations occur in secure directories with restricted access permissions. Additionally, the system should enforce proper file ownership and access controls to prevent unauthorized modification of temporary files during processing operations. Organizations should also consider implementing monitoring solutions to detect suspicious file system activities and ensure that all temporary file operations follow secure coding practices to prevent similar vulnerabilities from occurring in other applications.