IBM Informix Dynamic Server (IDS) installserver.txt symlink

informix-installserver-symlink (29297) The risk level is classified as MediumMedium Risk

Description:

IBM Informix Dynamic Server (IDS), IBM Informix Client Software Development Kit (CSDK), and IBM Informix Connect could allow a local attacker to launch a symlink attack. The installserver.txt file is created insecurely in the /tmp directory during installation. A local attacker could create a symbolic link from the installserver.txt file to an arbitrary file on the system, which could allow the attacker to create or overwrite files on the system once the installation script is executed.

*CVSS:

Base Score: 2.9
  Access Vector: Local
  Access Complexity: High
  Authentication: Not Required
  Confidentiality Impact: None
  Integrity Impact: Partial
  Availability Impact: Partial
 
Temporal Score: 2.8
  Exploitability: High
  Remediation Level: Unavailable
  Report Confidence: Uncorroborated

Consequences:

File Manipulation

Remedy:

Refer to IBM Support Document 1247438 for patch, upgrade or workaround information. See References.

References:

  • Full-Disclosure Mailing List, Sun Oct 01 2006 - 19:24:59 CDT : IBM Informix Dynamic Server V10.0 File Clobbering during Install.
  • IBM Support & downloads: Possible security vulnerabilities with Informix Dynamic Server, CSDK, and I-Connect product installers.
  • Informix Web page: IBM Software - Informix Dynamic Server (IDS) - Product Overview.
  • BID-20300: Multiple IBM Products Installer Insecure Temporary File Creation Vulnerability
  • CVE-2006-5163: IBM Informix Dynamic Server 10.UC3RC1 Trial for Linux and possibly other versions creates /tmp/installserver.txt with insecure permissions, which allows local users to append data to arbitrary files via a symlink attack.
  • CVE-2006-5664: The installation script in IBM Informix Dynamic Server 10.00, Informix Client Software Development Kit (CSDK) 2.90, and Informix I-Connect 2.90 allows local users to compromise security via a symlink attack on temporary files.
  • OSVDB ID: 29349: IBM Informix Dynamic Server Installation Script Permission Weakness Local Privilege Escalation
  • SA22223: IBM Informix Dynamic Server Insecure Temporary File Creation
  • SA22609: IBM Informix Products Insecure Permissions and Temporary File Creation
  • SECTRACK ID: 1017156: Informix Dynamic Server Uses Unsafe Installation Scripts and Directory Permissions That May Let Local Users Gain Elevated Privileges
  • VUPEN/ADV-2006-3883: IBM Informix Dynamic Server Insecure Temporary File Creation Vulnerability
  • VUPEN/ADV-2006-4280: IBM Informix Insecure Permissions and Temporary File Creation Vulnerabilities

Platforms Affected:

  • IBM Informix Client SDK 2.90
  • IBM Informix Dynamic Server 10.0
  • IBM Informix i-Connect 2.90

Reported:

Oct 01, 2006

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For corrections or additions please email xforce@iss.net

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The information within this database may change without notice. Use of this information constitutes acceptance for use in an AS IS condition. There are NO warranties, implied or otherwise, with regard to this information or its use. Any use of this information is at the user's risk. In no event shall IBM be held liable for any damages whatsoever arising out of or in connection with the use or spread of this information.

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