CVE-2011-3618 in atop
Summary
by MITRE
atop: symlink attack possible due to insecure tempfile handling
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/13/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-3618 affects the atop monitoring utility, specifically targeting its handling of temporary files during the creation of log files. This issue arises from insecure temporary file creation practices that allow malicious users to manipulate the system's temporary file generation process. The flaw exists in the way atop manages temporary files when generating system activity reports, creating opportunities for privilege escalation and unauthorized access to sensitive system information.
This vulnerability represents a classic symlink attack scenario where an attacker can create symbolic links in temporary directories to redirect file operations. The technical flaw occurs when atop creates temporary files without proper validation of the temporary directory contents or without using secure file creation methods. The insecure tempfile handling allows attackers to place malicious symbolic links in locations where atop expects to create temporary files, potentially causing the utility to write data to unintended locations or execute unintended code with elevated privileges.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it can enable attackers to gain unauthorized access to system resources and potentially escalate privileges to root level. When atop runs with elevated permissions to collect system information, the symlink attack can result in arbitrary code execution or data manipulation. The vulnerability affects systems where atop is used for system monitoring and logging, particularly in environments where multiple users have access to the system or where atop is run with root privileges to collect comprehensive system statistics.
Security implications extend beyond simple privilege escalation as this vulnerability can be exploited to compromise system integrity and confidentiality. The attack vector allows for persistent access to system information and can be combined with other techniques to establish more permanent footholds within the system. According to CWE classification, this vulnerability maps to CWE-377: Insecure Temporary Files, which specifically addresses the creation of temporary files with insecure permissions or inadequate validation of temporary file locations. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this under privilege escalation techniques where adversaries leverage insecure file handling to gain elevated system access.
Mitigation strategies should focus on implementing secure temporary file creation practices including the use of secure file creation functions that prevent symbolic link attacks, proper validation of temporary file locations, and ensuring that temporary directories have appropriate permissions. System administrators should update to patched versions of atop, implement proper file permission controls on temporary directories, and consider running atop with reduced privileges when possible. Additionally, monitoring for suspicious symbolic link creation in temporary directories and implementing proper access controls can help detect and prevent exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of following secure coding practices and demonstrates how seemingly minor implementation flaws can create significant security risks in system monitoring tools.