Title: Apple Mac OS X passwd Temp File Symlink Arbitrary File Manipulation
Info
Disclosure
Feb 28, 2006
Discovery
Aug 23, 2005
Dates
Exploit
Unknown
Solution
Unknown
Description
Mac OS X contains a flaw that may allow a malicious local user to create arbitrary files on the system. The issue is due to the passwd program creating temporary files insecurely, using the form /tmp/.pwtmp.<pid> where <pid> is the process id of the passwd process. It is possible for a user to use a symlink style attack to manipulate arbitrary files, resulting in a loss of integrity.
Classification
Location:
Local Access Required
Attack Type:
Race Condition
Impact:
Loss of Integrity
Exploit:
Exploit Public
Disclosure:
OSVDB Verified
Solution
Currently, there are no known workarounds or upgrades to correct this issue. However, Apple has released a patch (2006-001) to address this vulnerability.