GNU Automake symbolic link vulnerability

1. Gentoo Linux Security Advisory

Advisory Reference	GLSA 200404-08 / automake
Release Date	April 08, 2004
Latest Revision	January 31, 2005: 05
Impact	normal
Exploitable	local

Package	Vulnerable versions	Unaffected versions	Architecture(s)
sys-devel/automake	<= 1.8.5-r2	>= 1.8.5-r3, revision >= 1.7.9-r1, < 1.7	All supported architectures

Related bugreports: #45646

Synopsis

Automake may be vulnerable to a symbolic link attack which may allow an attacker to modify data or elevate their privileges.

2. Impact Information

Background

Automake is a tool for automatically generating `Makefile.in' files which is often used in conjuction with Autoconf and other GNU Autotools to ease portability among applications. It also provides a standardized and light way of writing complex Makefiles through the use of many built-in macros.

Description

Automake may be vulnerable to a symbolic link attack which may allow an attacker to modify data or escalate their privileges. This is due to the insecure way Automake creates directories during compilation. An attacker may be able to create symbolic links in the place of files contained in the affected directories, which may potentially lead to elevated privileges due to modification of data.

Impact

An attacker may be able to use this vulnerability to modify data in an unauthorized fashion or elevate their privileges.

3. Resolution Information

Workaround

A workaround is not currently known for this issue. All users are advised to upgrade to the latest version of the affected package.

Resolution

Automake users should upgrade to the latest versions:

Code Listing 3.1: Resolution

# emerge --sync
# emerge --ask --oneshot --verbose sys-devel/automake

Updated April 08, 2004

Summary: This is a Gentoo Linux Security Advisory

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