CVE Vulnerabilities

CVE-2007-5839

Improper Link Resolution Before File Access ('Link Following')

Published: Nov 06, 2007 | Modified: Jul 29, 2017
CVSS 3.x
N/A
Source:
NVD
CVSS 2.x
4.6 MEDIUM
AV:L/AC:L/Au:N/C:P/I:P/A:P
RedHat/V2
RedHat/V3
Ubuntu
UNTRIAGED

The e_hostname function in commands.c in BitchX 1.1a allows local users to overwrite arbitrary files via a symlink attack on temporary files when using the (1) HOSTNAME or (2) IRCHOST command.

Weakness

The product attempts to access a file based on the filename, but it does not properly prevent that filename from identifying a link or shortcut that resolves to an unintended resource.

Affected Software

Name Vendor Start Version End Version
Bitchx Bitchx 1.1a (including) 1.1a (including)
Ircii-pana Ubuntu dapper *
Ircii-pana Ubuntu edgy *
Ircii-pana Ubuntu feisty *
Ircii-pana Ubuntu gutsy *

Potential Mitigations

  • Follow the principle of least privilege when assigning access rights to entities in a software system.
  • Denying access to a file can prevent an attacker from replacing that file with a link to a sensitive file. Ensure good compartmentalization in the system to provide protected areas that can be trusted.

References