Apple Mac OS X passwd symlink
| macosx-passwd-symlink (25274) |  Medium 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.
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
Remedy:
Apply Security Update 2006-001, available from the Apple Security Update 2006-001. See References.
Consequences:
File Manipulation
References:
- Apple Security Update 2006-001, About Security Update 2006-001 at http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=303382.
- iDEFENSE Security Advisory: 03.02.06, Apple Mac OS X passwd Arbitrary Binary File Creation/Modification at http://www.idefense.com/intelligence/vulnerabilities/display.php?id=400.
- 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
Reported:
Mar 01, 2006
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