PT-2001-1023 · Red Hat+1 · Red Hat+1
Published
2001-10-11
·
Updated
2016-10-18
·
CVE-2002-0638
CVSS v2.0
7.2
High
| Vector | AV:L/AC:L/Au:N/C:C/I:C/A:C |
Name of the Vulnerable Software and Affected Versions
util-linux versions prior to 2.11f
Red Hat Linux versions 7.3 and earlier
Description
The issue is related to the setpwnam.c file in the util-linux package, which does not properly lock a temporary file when modifying /etc/passwd. This may allow local users to gain privileges via a complex race condition that uses an open file descriptor in utility programs such as chfn and chsh. The vulnerability can lead to a violation of confidentiality, integrity, and availability of protected information. Exploitation of the vulnerability can be carried out locally.
Recommendations
For util-linux versions prior to 2.11f, consider updating to a version that properly locks temporary files when modifying /etc/passwd.
For Red Hat Linux versions 7.3 and earlier, update to a newer version that includes the fixed util-linux package.
As a temporary workaround, consider restricting access to utility programs such as chfn and chsh until a patch is available.
Fix
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Related Identifiers
Affected Products
Red Hat
Util-Linux