CVE-2013-4116

lib/npm.js in Node Packaged Modules (npm) before 1.3.3 allows local users to overwrite arbitrary files via a symlink attack on temporary files with predictable names that are created when unpacking archives.

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
Node_packaged_modules	Node_packaged_modules_project	*	1.3.3 (excluding)
Npm	Ubuntu	artful	*
Npm	Ubuntu	precise	*
Npm	Ubuntu	quantal	*
Npm	Ubuntu	raring	*
Npm	Ubuntu	saucy	*
Npm	Ubuntu	upstream	*
Npm	Ubuntu	utopic	*
Npm	Ubuntu	vivid	*
Npm	Ubuntu	wily	*
Npm	Ubuntu	yakkety	*
Npm	Ubuntu	zesty	*

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-2013-4116
CWE	https://cwe.mitre.org/data/definitions/59.html

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

Weakness

Affected Software

Potential Mitigations

References

CVE-2013-4116

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

Weakness

Affected Software

Potential Mitigations

Related Attack Patterns

References