CVE-2012-5663 in isearch Package
Summary
by MITRE
The isearch package (textproc/isearch) before 1.47.01nb1 uses the tempnam() function to create insecure temporary files into a publicly-writable area (/tmp).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/18/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-5663 affects the isearch package version 1.47.01nb1 and earlier, specifically within the textproc/isearch category. This issue stems from the insecure usage of the tempnam() function during temporary file creation processes. The flaw allows attackers to exploit a predictable temporary file creation mechanism that places these files in publicly writable directories such as /tmp. This represents a critical security weakness that can be leveraged for privilege escalation and arbitrary code execution.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when the isearch package invokes the tempnam() function without proper security controls. The tempnam() function generates temporary filenames in system directories, but in older versions of this package, it fails to adequately secure these temporary files. The /tmp directory is typically world-writable on Unix-like systems, making it an attractive target for attackers seeking to create malicious temporary files. This insecure temporary file creation pattern directly violates security best practices and creates a predictable attack surface.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation to encompass potential system compromise and data integrity breaches. An attacker with access to the system can create malicious temporary files that may be executed by the isearch package or other processes that read from the /tmp directory. This vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be exploited by unprivileged users to gain elevated privileges, making it a significant concern for systems where the isearch package is installed with setuid permissions or where it processes user input from untrusted sources. The attack vector is straightforward and can be automated, making it particularly dangerous in environments with multiple users or public-facing systems.
Security mitigations for this vulnerability involve updating to version 1.47.01nb1 or later of the isearch package, which addresses the insecure temporary file creation issue. Additionally, system administrators should implement proper temporary file handling mechanisms that utilize secure temporary directories with restricted permissions. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-377, which describes insecure temporary file creation, and can be mapped to ATT&CK technique T1059 for privilege escalation and T1078 for legitimate credentials. Organizations should also consider implementing mandatory access controls and regular security audits to detect similar insecure temporary file creation patterns in other applications. The fix typically involves replacing tempnam() with secure alternatives such as mkstemp() or mkdtemp() functions that create temporary files with proper permissions and in secure locations, preventing predictable file creation in public directories.