Apple Mac OS X passwd symlink

macosx-passwd-symlink (25274) The risk level is classified as MediumMedium Risk

Description:

Mac OS X and Mac OS X Server could allow a local attacker to launch a symlink attack. The usr/bin/passwd binary creates the .pwtmp.[PID] temporary file with an easily predictable file name. A local attacker could exploit this vulnerability by creating a symbolic link from this file to other files on the system, which would allow the attacker to overwrite arbitrary files on the system.


Consequences:

File Manipulation

Remedy:

Apply Security Update 2006-001, available from the Apple Security Update 2006-001. See References.

References:

  • Apple Security Update 2006-001: About Security Update 2006-001.
  • iDEFENSE Security Advisory: 03.02.06: Apple Mac OS X passwd Arbitrary Binary File Creation/Modification.
  • BID-16907: Apple Mac OS X Security Update 2006-001 Multiple Vulnerabilities
  • BID-16910: Apple Mac OS X Directory Services Passwd Privilege Escalation Vulnerabilities
  • CVE-2005-2714: passwd in Directory Services in Mac OS X 10.3.x before 10.3.9 and 10.4.x before 10.4.5 allows local users to overwrite arbitrary files via a symlink attack on the .pwtmp.[PID] temporary file.
  • OSVDB ID: 23647: Mac OS X passwd Temp File Symlink Arbitrary File Manipulation
  • SA19064: Mac OS X Security Update Fixes Multiple Vulnerabilities
  • VUPEN/ADV-2006-0791: Apple Mac OS X Code Execution and Denial of Service Vulnerabilities

Platforms Affected:

  • Apple Mac OS X 10.3.9
  • Apple Mac OS X 10.4.5
  • Apple Mac OS X Server 10.3.9
  • Apple Mac OS X Server 10.4.5

Reported:

Mar 01, 2006

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