CVE-2014-2893 in Clang
Summary
by MITRE
The GetHTMLRunDir function in the scan-build utility in Clang 3.5 and earlier allows local users to obtain sensitive information or overwrite arbitrary files via a symlink attack on temporary directories with predictable names.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/11/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-2893 resides within the scan-build utility of Clang version 3.5 and earlier, representing a critical security flaw that enables local attackers to exploit predictable temporary directory naming conventions through symbolic link attacks. This vulnerability specifically targets the GetHTMLRunDir function which handles the creation and management of temporary directories during static analysis operations. The flaw stems from the predictable naming patterns used for temporary directories, allowing malicious users to establish symbolic links that redirect the utility's file operations to arbitrary locations on the filesystem.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability leverages the principle of time-of-check to time-of-use race conditions commonly categorized under CWE-367. When scan-build executes and creates temporary directories, it uses predictable naming schemes that can be anticipated by local attackers. This predictability enables attackers to create symbolic links with the same names before the utility attempts to create the actual directories, thereby causing the utility to write files or access directories that the attacker controls rather than the intended system locations. The attack vector operates through the manipulation of the temporary file creation process, where the utility does not properly validate or sanitize the directory paths before performing file operations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure to encompass potential arbitrary file overwrite capabilities that can be leveraged for privilege escalation or system compromise. Attackers can exploit this weakness to overwrite critical system files, inject malicious code into the build process, or manipulate the output of static analysis tools to hide malicious code from detection. The vulnerability affects developers and system administrators who rely on Clang's scan-build utility for code analysis, potentially compromising the integrity of the entire development environment. This weakness can be particularly dangerous in environments where developers have elevated privileges or where the static analysis results are used for security assessments and compliance verification.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-2893 require immediate patching of Clang installations to versions that address the predictable temporary directory naming issue. Organizations should implement proper directory validation mechanisms within their build processes and consider using secure temporary directory creation functions that do not rely on predictable naming patterns. The use of privilege separation techniques and mandatory access controls can help limit the damage from successful exploitation attempts. Additionally, system administrators should monitor for suspicious symbolic link creation patterns and implement file integrity monitoring solutions to detect unauthorized modifications to critical system directories. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059 for execution through command-line interfaces and T1078 for valid accounts exploitation, as it can be used to escalate privileges through legitimate development tools. Organizations should also consider implementing secure coding practices that avoid predictable temporary file creation patterns and ensure proper input validation in all utility functions that handle file system operations.