CVE-2010-2027

Mathematica 7, when running on Linux, allows local users to overwrite arbitrary files via a symlink attack on (1) files within /tmp/MathLink/ or (2) /tmp/fonts$$.conf.

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://marc.info/?l=full-disclosure\u0026m=127380255201760\u0026w=2
• http://secunia.com/advisories/39805
• http://www.securityfocus.com/archive/1/511298/100/0/threaded