CVE-2016-1000021 in node-cli
Summary
by MITRE
An issue exists in node-cli 0.1.0 through 0.11.3 due to predictable temporary file names in lock_file and log_file, which allows an attacker to overwrite files.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/04/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-1000021 affects the node-cli package version 0.1.0 through 0.11.3 and represents a significant security flaw related to predictable temporary file naming practices. This issue stems from the implementation of lock_file and log_file functions within the command-line interface framework, where the temporary file generation process lacks sufficient randomness or entropy to ensure unique naming conventions. The predictable nature of these temporary file names creates a window of opportunity for attackers to exploit the system through file overwrite attacks, potentially leading to privilege escalation or arbitrary code execution depending on the context in which these files are used.
The technical flaw manifests in the predictable generation of temporary file names which violates fundamental security principles for temporary file handling. According to CWE-377, insecure temporary file creation practices represent a well-documented vulnerability pattern where the lack of proper randomization in temporary file names exposes systems to race condition attacks and file overwrite exploits. The vulnerability specifically impacts the lock_file and log_file functionality, suggesting that these components are designed to create temporary files for process synchronization and logging purposes respectively. When temporary files are created with predictable names, attackers can pre-create files with the same names in the target directory, causing the vulnerable application to overwrite these files with potentially malicious content.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple file overwrites to potentially enable more sophisticated attacks within the target system. Attackers can leverage this weakness to manipulate system behavior by overwriting configuration files, log files, or even binary executables if the application runs with elevated privileges. The attack vector typically involves creating symbolic links or pre-existing files with the predictable temporary names before the vulnerable application attempts to create its own temporary files. This type of vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter and T1078.002 for Valid Accounts, as successful exploitation may require the attacker to have sufficient privileges to create files in the target directory and potentially manipulate the execution flow of legitimate processes.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-1000021 should focus on implementing proper temporary file handling practices that ensure sufficient randomness and uniqueness in file naming. The most effective approach involves using secure temporary file creation functions that generate cryptographically strong random names and ensure atomic creation of temporary files. Organizations should also consider updating to versions of node-cli that have addressed this vulnerability through proper randomization of temporary file names, typically through the use of libraries such as crypto or os.tmpdir() with proper file creation flags. Additionally, implementing proper file permissions and access controls can help limit the impact of successful exploitation attempts, while monitoring for unusual file creation patterns in system logs can help detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of following secure coding practices for temporary file handling as outlined in industry standards and security frameworks.