PostgreSQL: Insecure temporary file use in make_oidjoins_check

1. Gentoo Linux Security Advisory

Advisory Reference	GLSA 200410-16 / PostgreSQL
Release Date	October 18, 2004
Latest Revision	May 28, 2009: 04
Impact	normal
Exploitable	local

Package	Vulnerable versions	Unaffected versions	Architecture(s)
dev-db/postgresql	<= 7.4.5-r1	>= 7.4.5-r2, revision >= 7.3.7-r2, revision >= 7.3.15, revision >= 7.3.16, revision >= 7.3.18, revision >= 7.3.21	All supported architectures

Related bugreports: #66371

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.

2. Impact Information

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.

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.

3. Resolution Information

Workaround

There is no known workaround at this time.

Resolution

All PostgreSQL users should upgrade to the latest version:

Code Listing 3.1: Resolution

# 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.

4. References

Page updated October 18, 2004

Summary: This is a Gentoo Linux Security Advisory

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