CVE-2015-5705 in devscripts
Summary
by MITRE
Argument injection vulnerability in devscripts before 2.15.7 allows remote attackers to write to arbitrary files via a crafted symlink and crafted filename.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/27/2022
The CVE-2015-5705 vulnerability represents a critical argument injection flaw within the devscripts package ecosystem, specifically affecting versions prior to 2.15.7. This vulnerability resides in the handling of file operations where the software fails to properly validate or sanitize user-provided filenames and symbolic link references. The flaw manifests when the system processes a crafted symlink combined with a malicious filename, creating a scenario where remote attackers can manipulate the file system to write data to arbitrary locations. The vulnerability operates at the intersection of file system permissions and argument parsing, exploiting a lack of proper input validation that allows attackers to bypass intended security boundaries. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous in development environments where scripts may execute with elevated privileges or where multiple users interact with shared file systems. The attack vector relies on the attacker's ability to influence the symbolic link creation process and subsequently manipulate the filename argument passed to vulnerable functions, potentially leading to unauthorized file system modifications.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper handling of symbolic link resolution within the devscripts framework. When the software encounters a crafted symlink, it fails to properly validate that the target path remains within expected boundaries or that the filename argument does not contain malicious components that could alter the intended file destination. This flaw aligns with CWE-77 and CWE-78 categories, representing argument injection vulnerabilities where attacker-controlled input can modify program execution paths. The vulnerability specifically affects the way the software processes file operations, where symbolic links are followed without sufficient validation of the resulting path. Attackers can exploit this by creating a malicious symlink that points to a target location and then providing a filename that, when processed, causes the system to write to an unintended destination. The flaw essentially allows attackers to inject arguments into file system operations that should be restricted or validated, creating a path traversal scenario where the intended file system behavior is subverted.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-5705 extends beyond simple file system manipulation, as it can potentially enable more severe attacks when combined with other vulnerabilities or system misconfigurations. Remote attackers who can influence the creation of symbolic links and provide crafted filenames can cause the system to write malicious content to critical system files, configuration files, or even user data directories. This vulnerability is particularly concerning in environments where devscripts are used for automated build processes, package management, or continuous integration systems where the software may execute with elevated privileges. The attack can result in privilege escalation scenarios, data corruption, or the potential for persistent backdoors if attackers can write to system-critical locations. The vulnerability's impact is amplified in multi-user environments where attackers may have the ability to create symbolic links in shared directories, making it a significant concern for system administrators managing development infrastructure. The flaw can also be leveraged in conjunction with other attacks to create more complex exploitation chains, particularly when combined with directory traversal or path manipulation vulnerabilities.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-5705 focus primarily on updating the devscripts package to version 2.15.7 or later, which includes proper input validation and argument sanitization mechanisms. System administrators should implement strict file system permissions and access controls to limit the ability of untrusted users to create symbolic links in critical directories. The implementation of proper path validation and canonicalization routines should be enforced in all file system operations, particularly those involving user-provided inputs or symbolic link resolution. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect suspicious symbolic link creation patterns and file system modifications that could indicate exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing automated patch management processes to ensure timely updates of development tools and packages. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper input validation and the principle of least privilege in file system operations, aligning with ATT&CK techniques related to privilege escalation and persistence. Regular security audits of development environments should include checks for vulnerable packages and proper implementation of file system security controls. Additionally, developers should be trained on secure coding practices to prevent similar vulnerabilities in custom scripts and applications that handle file operations and symbolic link processing.