AIX Cron Lockfile Insecure Temporary File Creation Vulnerability

Bugtraq ID:	438
Class:	Origin Validation Error
CVE:
Remote:	No
Local:	Yes
Published:	Jul 09 1998 12:00AM
Updated:	Jul 09 1998 12:00AM
Credit:	This vulnerability was published to the IBM APAR Database on July 9, 1998. The SecurityFocus Database entry for this problem is based wholly off that information.
Vulnerable:	IBM AIX 4.3 IBM AIX 4.2.1 IBM AIX 4.2
Not Vulnerable:	IBM AIX 4.1.5 IBM AIX 4.1.4 IBM AIX 4.1.3 IBM AIX 4.1.2 IBM AIX 4.1.1 IBM AIX 4.1 IBM AIX 3.2.5

AIX Cron Lockfile Insecure Temporary File Creation Vulnerability

Under certain versions of AIX if APAR IX76281 is installed cron creates insecure non-random temporary files. This allows malicous users to symlink to these files and overwrite other system files at the privilege level of the user executing the program. Typically this privilege level is root.

AIX Cron Lockfile Insecure Temporary File Creation Vulnerability

Currently the SecurityFocus staff are not aware of any exploits for this issue. If you feel we are in error or are aware of more recent information, please mail us at: [email protected].

AIX Cron Lockfile Insecure Temporary File Creation Vulnerability

Solution:
IBM has released the following APAR'S to address this problem:

AIX 4.3
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APAR # IX80036

AIX 4.2
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APAR # IX79447

AIX Cron Lockfile Insecure Temporary File Creation Vulnerability

References:

• AIX Fix Distribution Service (IBM)
  
• IBM Support Databases (IBM)