CVE-2014-1938 in python-rply
Summary
by MITRE
python-rply before 0.7.4 insecurely creates temporary files.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/26/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-1938 affects the python-rply library version 0.7.4 and earlier, which is a parsing library for python applications. This issue stems from insecure temporary file creation practices within the library's implementation, creating potential security risks for applications that depend on it. The problem manifests when the library generates temporary files during its operation, particularly during parsing activities where intermediate results or cached data might be stored temporarily on the filesystem. The insecure creation of these temporary files can lead to various attack vectors including race conditions, privilege escalation, and potential information disclosure.
The technical flaw resides in how the library handles temporary file generation without proper security measures. When python-rply creates temporary files, it typically uses methods that do not adequately secure the file creation process, potentially allowing malicious actors to predict temporary file names or manipulate the temporary file creation sequence. This vulnerability can be categorized under CWE-377 which addresses insecure temporary file creation, and more specifically aligns with CWE-379 which deals with creation of temporary files and directories with insecure permissions. The insecure implementation often involves using predictable naming schemes or insufficient permission settings on the temporary files, making them susceptible to manipulation by unauthorized users or processes running with elevated privileges.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple file creation issues and can severely compromise system security in environments where python-rply is utilized. Applications using vulnerable versions may experience unauthorized access to temporary files, potentially allowing attackers to inject malicious content, modify parsing results, or gain information about the system's internal operations. This vulnerability can be particularly dangerous in multi-user environments or systems where the library runs with elevated privileges, as it could enable privilege escalation attacks. The risk is amplified when applications using python-rply process untrusted input data, as attackers could exploit the temporary file creation mechanism to manipulate the parsing behavior and potentially execute arbitrary code. This issue directly maps to ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for executing malicious code through interpreted languages and T1566 for malicious file execution.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-1938 should focus on immediate version upgrades to python-rply 0.7.4 or later, which contain fixed temporary file creation mechanisms. Organizations should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all systems utilizing vulnerable versions of the library and prioritize remediation efforts accordingly. Additionally, implementing proper temporary file handling practices such as using secure temporary file creation functions, setting appropriate file permissions, and employing random naming schemes can help reduce the attack surface. System administrators should also monitor for any unusual temporary file activity and implement proper access controls on temporary directories. The fix typically involves using secure temporary file creation methods that ensure proper file permissions, random naming, and atomic creation processes to prevent race conditions and unauthorized access. Regular security auditing of python dependencies and maintaining updated vulnerability databases will help prevent similar issues from arising in the future, particularly as the library ecosystem continues to evolve and expand.