CVE-2009-4135

The distcheck rule in dist-check.mk in GNU coreutils 5.2.1 through 8.1 allows local users to gain privileges via a symlink attack on a file in a directory tree under /tmp.

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
Ubuntu_linux	Canonical	10.04 (including)	10.04 (including)
Ubuntu_linux	Canonical	12.04 (including)	12.04 (including)
Ubuntu_linux	Canonical	14.04 (including)	14.04 (including)
Coreutils	Ubuntu	dapper	*
Coreutils	Ubuntu	hardy	*
Coreutils	Ubuntu	intrepid	*
Coreutils	Ubuntu	jaunty	*
Coreutils	Ubuntu	karmic	*
Coreutils	Ubuntu	lucid	*
Coreutils	Ubuntu	maverick	*
Coreutils	Ubuntu	natty	*
Coreutils	Ubuntu	oneiric	*
Coreutils	Ubuntu	quantal	*
Coreutils	Ubuntu	raring	*
Coreutils	Ubuntu	saucy	*

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-2009-4135
CWE	https://cwe.mitre.org/data/definitions/59.html

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

Weakness

Affected Software

Potential Mitigations

References

CVE-2009-4135

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

Weakness

Affected Software

Potential Mitigations

Related Attack Patterns

References