CVE-2012-3345 in Engine
Summary
by MITRE
ioquake3 before r2253 allows local users to overwrite arbitrary files via a symlink attack on the /tmp/ioq3.pid temporary file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/17/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-3345 affects ioquake3 versions prior to r2253 and represents a classic symlink attack scenario that exploits improper temporary file handling. This flaw occurs when the application creates a temporary file named /tmp/ioq3.pid without adequate security measures to prevent symbolic link manipulation. The issue arises from the application's failure to validate the existence and ownership of temporary files before writing to them, creating a window of opportunity for local attackers to substitute the intended target file with a symbolic link pointing to a location of their choosing.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the application's insecure temporary file creation pattern where it does not properly secure the temporary file path. When ioquake3 attempts to write its process identifier to /tmp/ioq3.pid, it does not verify whether the file already exists or whether it is a symbolic link. An attacker can pre-create a symbolic link at the target location that points to a sensitive system file or configuration, allowing the application to overwrite critical files with arbitrary content. This type of vulnerability falls under the category of insecure temporary file handling as defined by CWE-377 and is particularly dangerous because it operates at the local privilege level, making it accessible to any user with access to the system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple file overwriting, as it can be leveraged to escalate privileges or compromise system integrity. Attackers can use this technique to overwrite configuration files, binary executables, or system logs that are critical for maintaining system security and stability. The attack vector requires local system access but does not need elevated privileges, making it particularly concerning for multi-user systems where users may have varying levels of access. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for executing commands through the command line interface and T1548.001 for privilege escalation through hijacking system processes.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2012-3345 should focus on implementing proper temporary file handling practices that adhere to security best practices and industry standards. The most effective approach involves using secure temporary file creation methods that ensure atomic file creation and proper file ownership verification before writing to temporary locations. System administrators should upgrade to ioquake3 version r2253 or later, which implements proper security controls to prevent symlink attacks. Additionally, implementing proper file system permissions and using tools like SELinux or AppArmor can provide additional layers of protection against such attacks. Organizations should also consider implementing monitoring for unauthorized file modifications in critical system directories and establish proper access controls to prevent local users from creating symbolic links in sensitive locations. The fix typically involves modifying the application code to use secure temporary file creation functions that guarantee file exclusivity and prevent race conditions that enable symlink-based attacks.