CVE Vulnerabilities

CVE-2008-4959

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

Published: Nov 05, 2008 | Modified: Aug 08, 2017
CVSS 3.x
N/A
Source:
NVD
CVSS 2.x
6.9 MEDIUM
AV:L/AC:M/Au:N/C:C/I:C/A:C
RedHat/V2
RedHat/V3
Ubuntu
LOW

geo-code in gpsdrive-scripts 2.10~pre4 allows local users to overwrite arbitrary files via a symlink attack on (1) /tmp/geo.google, (2) /tmp/geo.yahoo, (3) /tmp/geo.coords, and (4) /tmp/geo#####.coords temporary files.

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
Gpsdrive-scripts Gpsdrive 2.10-pre4 (including) 2.10-pre4 (including)
Gpsdrive Ubuntu dapper *
Gpsdrive Ubuntu gutsy *
Gpsdrive Ubuntu hardy *
Gpsdrive Ubuntu intrepid *
Gpsdrive Ubuntu upstream *

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