mtink: Insecure tempfile handling

1. Gentoo Linux Security Advisory

Advisory Reference	GLSA 200411-17 / mtink
Release Date	November 09, 2004
Latest Revision	May 22, 2006: 02
Impact	normal
Exploitable	local

Package	Vulnerable versions	Unaffected versions	Architecture(s)
net-print/mtink	< 1.0.5	>= 1.0.5	All supported architectures

Related bugreports: #70310

Synopsis

mtink 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

mtink is a status monitor and inkjet cartridge changer for some Epson printers.

Description

Tavis Ormandy from Gentoo Linux discovered that mtink uses insecure permissions on temporary files.

Impact

A local attacker could create symbolic links in the temporary files directory, pointing to a valid file somewhere on the filesystem. When mtink is executed, this would result in the file being overwritten 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 mtink users should upgrade to the latest version:

Code Listing 3.1: Resolution

# emerge --sync
# emerge --ask --oneshot --verbose ">=net-print/mtink-1.0.5"

4. References

CVE-2004-1110

Updated November 09, 2004

Summary: This is a Gentoo Linux Security Advisory

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