Netscape vulnerable to arbitrary file overwriting via symlink redirection of temporary file

Overview

During installation, Netscape 6.0.1 creates a temporary file with insecure options and a predictable name in a world-writable location. By using a symbolic link attack, an attacker could cause overwrite of arbitrary files.

Description

The installation script for Netscape 6.0.1 creates a temporary file with a predictable name in /tmp, a world-writable directory. This file is not checked for prior existence or ownership.

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Impact

If the installation is done while the system is in multi-user mode, an attacker may be able to create a symbolic link with appropriate name and cause overwrite of any writable file on the system.

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Solution

The CERT/CC is currently unaware of a practical solution to this problem.

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Perform the install in single-user mode.

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Vendor Information

356323

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Netscape Affected

Notified: October 09, 2001 Updated: November 15, 2001

Status

Affected

Vendor Statement

We have not received a statement from the vendor.

Vendor Information

The vendor has not provided us with any further information regarding this vulnerability.

Addendum

The CERT/CC has no additional comments at this time.

If you have feedback, comments, or additional information about this vulnerability, please send us [email](<mailto:[email protected]?Subject=VU%23356323 Feedback>).

CVSS Metrics

Group	Score	Vector
Base
Temporal
Environmental

References

<http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/3243&gt;

Acknowledgements

This vulnerability was first described by Larry W. Cashdollar.

This document was last modified by Tim Shimeall.

Other Information

CVE IDs:	CVE-2001-1066
Severity Metric:	1.58 Date Public: