CVE Vulnerabilities

CVE-2008-5372

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

Published: Dec 08, 2008 | Modified: Dec 09, 2008
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

sdm-login in sdm-terminal 0.4.0b allows local users to overwrite arbitrary files via a symlink attack on the /tmp/sdm.autologin.once temporary file.

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
Sdm-terminal Jonas_smedegaard 0.4.0b (including) 0.4.0b (including)
Sdm Ubuntu dapper *
Sdm Ubuntu gutsy *
Sdm Ubuntu hardy *
Sdm Ubuntu intrepid *
Sdm Ubuntu jaunty *
Sdm Ubuntu karmic *
Sdm 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