GLSA 200410-16: PostgreSQL: Insecure temporary file use in make_oidjoins_check

http://security.gentoo.org/

Severity:	normal
Title:	PostgreSQL: Insecure temporary file use in make_oidjoins_check
Date:	10/18/2004
Bugs:	#66371
ID:	200410-16

Synopsis

The make_oidjoins_check script, part of the PostgreSQL package, is vulnerable to symlink attacks, potentially allowing a local user to overwrite arbitrary files with the rights of the user running the utility.

Background

PostgreSQL is an open source database based on the POSTGRES database management system. It includes several contributed scripts including the make_oidjoins_check script.

Affected packages

Package	Vulnerable	Unaffected	Architecture(s)
dev-db/postgresql	<= 7.4.5-r1	>= 7.4.5-r2	All supported architectures

Description

The make_oidjoins_check script insecurely creates temporary files in world-writeable directories with predictable names.

Impact

A local attacker could create symbolic links in the temporary files directory, pointing to a valid file somewhere on the filesystem. When make_oidjoins_check is called, this would result in file overwrite with the rights of the user running the utility, which could be the root user.

Workaround

There is no known workaround at this time.

Resolution

All PostgreSQL users should upgrade to the latest version:

    # emerge sync
    
    # emerge -pv ">=dev-db/postgresql-7.4.5-r2"
    # emerge ">=dev-db/postgresql-7.4.5-r2"

Upgrade notes: PostgreSQL 7.3.x users should upgrade to the latest available 7.3.x version to retain database compatibility.

References

Availability

This GLSA and any updates to it are available for viewing at the Gentoo Security Website: http://security.gentoo.org/glsa/glsa-200410-16.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@gentoo.org or alternatively, you may file a bug at https://bugs.gentoo.org.