GLSA 200405-20: Insecure Temporary File Creation In MySQL
Severity: | normal |
Title: | Insecure Temporary File Creation In MySQL |
Date: | 05/25/2004 |
Bugs: |
|
ID: | 200405-20 |
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
Package | Vulnerable | Unaffected | Architecture(s) |
---|---|---|---|
dev-db/mysql | < 4.0.18-r2 | >= 4.0.18-r2 | All supported architectures |
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
Availability
This GLSA and any updates to it are available for viewing at the Gentoo Security Website:
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@gentoo.org or alternatively, you may file a bug at https://bugs.gentoo.org.
License
Copyright 2010 Gentoo Foundation, Inc; referenced text belongs to its owner(s). The contents of this document are licensed under the Creative Commons - Attribution / Share Alike license.