groff eqn2graph and pic2graph symlink attack

groff-eqn2graph-pic2graph-symlink (18660) The risk level is classified as MediumMedium Risk

Description:

groff could allow a local attacker to launch a symlink attack. The eqn2graph and pic2graph scripts create temporary files insecurely. A local attacker could use this vulnerability to create symbolic links from a temporary file to overwrite or create arbitrary files on the system with elevated privileges.

Platforms Affected:

  • Canonical, Ubuntu 4.10
  • GNU, groff

Remedy:

For Ubuntu Linux:
Upgrade to the latest gaim package (1.18.1.1-1ubuntu0.2 or later), as listed in USN-43-1 December 20, 2004 for more information. See References.

For other distributions:
Contact your vendor for upgrade or patch information.

Consequences:

File Manipulation

References:

  • CVE-2004-1296: The (1) eqn2graph and (2) pic2graph scripts in groff 1.18.1 allow local users to overwrite arbitrary files via a symlink attack on temporary files.
  • USN-43-1: groff utility vulnerabilities

Reported:

Dec 21, 2004

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