CheckInstall multiple symlink

checkinstall-multiple-symlink (43440)

Medium Risk

Description:

CheckInstall could allow a local attacker to launch a symlink attack, caused by an error in the checkinstall and installwatch scripts. Certain directories are created with insecure permissions. A local attacker could exploit this vulnerability by creating a symbolic link from a temporary file to other files on the system, which would allow the attacker to overwrite arbitrary files on the system with elevated privileges.

*CVSS:

Base Score:	3.3
Access Vector:	Local
Access Complexity:	Medium
Authentication:	None
Confidentiality Impact:	None
Integrity Impact:	Partial
Availability Impact:	Partial
Temporal Score:	3.1
Exploitability:	High
Remediation Level:	Unavailable
Report Confidence:	Uncorroborated

Consequences:

File Manipulation

Remedy:

No remedy available as of May 1, 2013.

References:

• Debian Bug report logs - #488140: checkinstall: Unsafe temp dir creation.
• Debian Web site: Package: checkinstall (1.6.1-7 and others).
• CVE-2008-2958: Race condition in (1) checkinstall 1.6.1 and (2) installwatch allows local users to overwrite arbitrary files and have other impacts via symlink and possibly other attacks on temporary working directories.
• OSVDB ID: 46570: CheckInstall checkinstall Script Symlink Arbitrary File / Directory Manipulation
• OSVDB ID: 46571: CheckInstall installwatch Script Symlink Arbitrary File / Directory Manipulation
• SA30873: CheckInstall Insecure Temporary Files

Platforms Affected:

• CheckInstall CheckInstall 1.6.1

Reported:

Jun 26, 2008

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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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