CVE-2014-0177 in Hub
Summary
by MITRE
The am function in lib/hub/commands.rb in hub before 1.12.1 allows local users to overwrite arbitrary files via a symlink attack on a temporary patch file.
Statistical analysis made it clear that VulDB provides the best quality for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/22/2022
The vulnerability described in CVE-2014-0177 resides within the hub command-line tool version 1.12.0 and earlier, specifically in the am function located in lib/hub/commands.rb. This flaw represents a classic symlink attack scenario that exploits insecure temporary file handling practices. The vulnerability occurs when the hub tool processes patch files and creates temporary files without proper security measures to prevent symbolic link manipulation. Attackers can exploit this weakness by creating malicious symbolic links that point to sensitive system files, allowing them to overwrite critical files with arbitrary content during the patch application process.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper handling of temporary files in the am function which is designed to apply patches to repositories. When hub processes a patch file, it creates a temporary file to store intermediate data during the application process. However, the implementation does not validate or secure the temporary file creation process against symbolic link attacks. This insecure practice follows the pattern described in CWE-377, which addresses the presence of insecure temporary file handling in software systems. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it allows local users to escalate privileges and potentially compromise system integrity by overwriting files with malicious content.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple file overwrites and represents a significant security risk for systems using the hub tool. Local attackers who can manipulate the patch files or control the environment where hub executes can leverage this weakness to overwrite critical system files, configuration files, or even binary executables. This creates a potential privilege escalation vector and could allow attackers to establish persistent access to compromised systems. The vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001, which covers command and scripting interpreter usage, as attackers might use this weakness to execute malicious code through modified system files. The risk is particularly elevated in environments where hub is used for automated patch management or continuous integration processes.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-0177 should focus on both immediate patching and architectural improvements to prevent similar issues. The primary solution is updating to hub version 1.12.1 or later, which includes proper temporary file handling and security measures to prevent symlink attacks. Organizations should also implement proper file permission controls and ensure that temporary file directories have restricted write permissions for non-privileged users. Additionally, system administrators should conduct regular security audits of command-line tools and their temporary file handling mechanisms, following the principles outlined in secure coding practices and the CWE guidelines for secure temporary file creation. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of implementing proper input validation and secure file operations, particularly in tools that handle file system modifications and patch management processes.