CVE-2008-5374

bash-doc 3.2 allows local users to overwrite arbitrary files via a symlink attack on a /tmp/cb#####.? temporary file, related to the (1) aliasconv.sh, (2) aliasconv.bash, and (3) cshtobash scripts.

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
Bash-doc	Matthias_klose	3.2 (including)	3.2 (including)
Red Hat Enterprise Linux 4	RedHat	bash-0:3.0-27.el4	*
Red Hat Enterprise Linux 5	RedHat	bash-0:3.2-32.el5	*
Bash	Ubuntu	dapper	*
Bash	Ubuntu	gutsy	*
Bash	Ubuntu	hardy	*
Bash	Ubuntu	intrepid	*
Bash	Ubuntu	jaunty	*
Bash	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.

NVD	https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2008-5374
CWE	https://cwe.mitre.org/data/definitions/59.html

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

Weakness

Affected Software

Potential Mitigations

References

CVE-2008-5374

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

Weakness

Affected Software

Potential Mitigations

Related Attack Patterns

References