Title: RedHat Setserial Init Script Predictable Temporary File Vulnerability
Severity: MODERATE
Description:
Red Hat Linux is a freely available clone of the UNIX Operating System, distributed by Red Hat Incorporated.
A problem with the serial port support in the distribution could make it possible for a user to overwrite arbitrary files. This could result in a denial of service.
The problem is related to the creation of temporary files, and occurs only under certain circumstances. If a user has recompiled their kernel to enable modular serial support in the kernel, and the rc.serial script has been copied to /etc/rc.d/init.d/serial, the system is vulnerable to a race condition error.
When executed, the serial init script creates temporary files in a predictable manner. As these scripts are executed with root privileges during system bootstrap, it may be possible for a user to overwrite root-owned files. By guessing the name of a future temporary file, and creating a symbolic link, a user can overwrite the file at the end of the symbolic link.
This makes it possible for attackers to deny service to other users of the system and potentially gain elevated privileges.
Affected Products:
- RedHat Linux 7.1.0
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