[ GLSA 200405-20 ] Insecure Temporary File Creation In MySQL
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Gentoo Linux Security Advisory GLSA 200405-20
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http://security.gentoo.org/
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Severity: Normal
Title: Insecure Temporary File Creation In MySQL
Date: May 25, 2004
Bugs: #46242
ID: 200405-20
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Synopsis
========
Two MySQL utilities create temporary files with hardcoded paths,
allowing an attacker to use a symlink to trick MySQL into overwriting
important data.
Background
==========
MySQL is a popular open-source multi-threaded, multi-user SQL database
server.
Affected packages
=================
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Package / Vulnerable / Unaffected
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1 dev-db/mysql < 4.0.18-r2 >= 4.0.18-r2
Description
===========
The MySQL bug reporting utility (mysqlbug) creates a temporary file to
log bug reports to. A malicious local user with write access to the
/tmp directory could create a symbolic link of the name mysqlbug-N
pointing to a protected file, such as /etc/passwd, such that when
mysqlbug creates the Nth log file, it would end up overwriting the
target file. A similar vulnerability exists with the mysql_multi
utility, which creates a temporary file called mysql_multi.log.
Impact
======
Since mysql_multi runs as root, a local attacker could use this to
destroy any other users' data or corrupt and destroy system files.
Workaround
==========
One could modify both scripts to log to a directory that users do not
have write permission to, such as /var/log/mysql/.
Resolution
==========
All users should upgrade to the latest stable version of MySQL.
# emerge sync
# emerge -pv ">=dev-db/mysql-4.0.18-r2"
# emerge ">=dev-db/mysql-4.0.18-r2"
References
==========
[ 1 ] CAN-2004-0381
http://cve.mitre.org/cgi-bin/cvename.cgi?name=CAN-2004-0381
[ 2 ] CAN-2004-0388
http://cve.mitre.org/cgi-bin/cvename.cgi?name=CAN-2004-0388
Availability
============
This GLSA and any updates to it are available for viewing at
the Gentoo Security Website:
http://security.gentoo.org/glsa/glsa-200405-20.xml
Concerns?
=========
Security is a primary focus of Gentoo Linux and ensuring the
confidentiality and security of our users machines is of utmost
importance to us. Any security concerns should be addressed to
security@xxxxxxxxxx or alternatively, you may file a bug at
http://bugs.gentoo.org.
License
=======
Copyright 2004 Gentoo Technologies, Inc; referenced text
belongs to its owner(s).
The contents of this document are licensed under the
Creative Commons - Attribution / Share Alike license.
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/1.0
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