CVE-2014-1936 in rc
Summary
by MITRE
rc before 1.7.1-5 insecurely creates temporary files.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/26/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-1936 affects the rc shell utility version 1.7.1-5 and earlier, where the software creates temporary files in an insecure manner that can be exploited by malicious actors. This issue represents a classic race condition vulnerability in temporary file creation, which falls under the CWE-377 category of insecure temporary file handling. The rc shell is a command interpreter that provides a scripting environment for Unix-like systems, and its improper handling of temporary files creates a significant security risk for systems that rely on this shell for automated processes or user interactions. The vulnerability occurs when the shell creates temporary files without adequate security measures, potentially allowing attackers to manipulate the temporary file contents or gain unauthorized access to system resources through predictable file paths or improper permissions.
The technical flaw in rc before version 1.7.1-5 stems from the shell's approach to creating temporary files during script execution or command processing. When the shell generates temporary files, it often uses predictable naming patterns or fails to set appropriate file permissions, creating opportunities for privilege escalation attacks. This insecure temporary file creation mechanism allows attackers to perform race condition attacks where they can create symbolic links or replace temporary files with malicious content before the shell processes them. The vulnerability can be exploited through various attack vectors including local privilege escalation, where an attacker with low privileges might gain elevated system access, or through more sophisticated attacks involving command injection or data manipulation within the shell environment.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends across multiple security domains and can affect systems where the rc shell is actively used for automation, system administration, or user scripting. Organizations relying on rc shell for critical operations face potential exposure to unauthorized access, data compromise, or system takeover scenarios. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in multi-user environments where different users might execute scripts that utilize temporary files, creating opportunities for cross-user attacks or privilege escalation. Systems that depend on rc shell for automated processes or cron jobs are especially vulnerable, as these automated functions might be triggered with elevated privileges, amplifying the potential damage from exploitation. The attack surface is further expanded when considering that the vulnerability can be leveraged in combination with other security weaknesses to create more sophisticated attack chains.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-1936 should focus on immediate patching of affected rc shell versions to 1.7.1-5 or later, which addresses the insecure temporary file creation mechanisms. Security administrators should also implement additional controls such as verifying temporary file permissions, using secure temporary file creation functions, and monitoring for suspicious file creation patterns. The remediation approach aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter, as attackers may leverage these vulnerabilities to establish persistent access or escalate privileges through shell-based attacks. Organizations should also consider implementing privilege separation mechanisms and ensuring that temporary files are created with proper permissions and in secure locations that prevent symbolic link attacks. Regular security assessments should include verification of temporary file handling practices across all shell environments to prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in other components of the system infrastructure.