CVE-2011-4115 in Parallel::ForkManager
Summary
by MITRE
Parallel::ForkManager module before 1.0.0 for Perl does not properly handle temporary files.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/11/2024
The CVE-2011-4115 vulnerability affects the Parallel::ForkManager Perl module version 1.0.0 and earlier, presenting a significant security risk through improper temporary file handling mechanisms. This flaw exists within the module's design where temporary files are created and managed without adequate security considerations, potentially exposing systems to various attack vectors. The vulnerability stems from the module's failure to implement proper temporary file creation protocols that would prevent predictable file paths or insecure file permissions.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the module's approach to creating temporary files during parallel processing operations. When the Parallel::ForkManager module spawns child processes, it generates temporary files to manage process coordination and data sharing. The flaw occurs because these temporary files are created using predictable naming conventions or insecure temporary directory locations, allowing local attackers to manipulate or monitor these files. This improper handling creates opportunities for privilege escalation, information disclosure, or denial of service conditions depending on the specific implementation context.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability can be exploited by attackers who gain access to the system where the module is deployed. The insecure temporary file handling may allow adversaries to perform race condition attacks, where they attempt to create malicious files with specific names in the temporary directory before the legitimate process does so. This could lead to arbitrary code execution if the module subsequently reads or executes files from the temporary directory without proper validation. Additionally, the vulnerability may enable attackers to monitor sensitive data that should remain private during parallel processing operations.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-377, which addresses insecure temporary file creation, and represents a classic example of poor temporary file management that violates fundamental security principles. Organizations using the Parallel::ForkManager module in production environments face potential risks including unauthorized access to process data, execution of malicious code, and compromise of system integrity. The issue particularly affects systems where multiple users or processes interact with the module, as the insecure temporary file creation can be exploited across different user contexts.
Security mitigations for this vulnerability involve upgrading to Parallel::ForkManager version 1.0.0 or later, which includes proper temporary file handling mechanisms. System administrators should also implement proper temporary directory permissions, ensure that temporary files are created with secure permissions, and consider using secure temporary file creation functions such as mkstemp instead of traditional temporary file approaches. Additionally, monitoring for unauthorized access to temporary directories and implementing proper input validation can help reduce the attack surface. Organizations should also consider implementing the principle of least privilege for processes using this module and regularly audit their temporary file usage patterns to identify potential security issues. The remediation process should include comprehensive testing to ensure that the updated module functions correctly without introducing regressions in parallel processing capabilities while maintaining the security improvements.