CVE-2009-1962

Xfig, possibly 3.2.5, allows local users to read and write arbitrary files via a symlink attack on the (1) xfig-eps[PID], (2) xfig-pic[PID].pix, (3) xfig-pic[PID].err, (4) xfig-pcx[PID].pix, (5) xfig-xfigrc[PID], (6) xfig[PID], (7) xfig-print[PID], (8) xfig-export[PID].err, (9) xfig-batch[PID], (10) xfig-exp[PID], or (11) xfig-spell.[PID] temporary files, where [PID] is a process ID.

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

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.

Related Attack Patterns

• https://cwe.mitre.org/data/definitions/132.html
• https://cwe.mitre.org/data/definitions/17.html
• https://cwe.mitre.org/data/definitions/35.html
• https://cwe.mitre.org/data/definitions/76.html

References

• http://secunia.com/advisories/35320
• http://www.mandriva.com/security/advisories?name=MDVSA-2009:244
• http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2009/04/01/6
• http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/34328
• https://exchange.xforce.ibmcloud.com/vulnerabilities/49600