[ GLSA 200410-16 ] PostgreSQL: Insecure temporary file use in make_oidjoins_check

[Thierry Carrez <koon () gentoo org>]

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Gentoo Linux Security Advisory                           GLSA 200410-16
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                                            http://security.gentoo.org/
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  Severity: Normal
     Title: PostgreSQL: Insecure temporary file use in
            make_oidjoins_check
      Date: October 18, 2004
      Bugs: #66371
        ID: 200410-16

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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.

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.

Affected packages
=================

    -------------------------------------------------------------------
     Package            /   Vulnerable   /                  Unaffected
    -------------------------------------------------------------------
  1  dev-db/postgresql      <= 7.4.5-r1                    >= 7.4.5-r2
                                                          *>= 7.3.7-r2

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.

Workaround
==========

There is no known workaround at this time.

Resolution
==========

All PostgreSQL users should upgrade to the latest version:

    # 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.

References
==========

  [ 1 ] Trustix Advisory #2004-0050
        http://www.trustix.org/errata/2004/0050/

Availability
============

This GLSA and any updates to it are available for viewing at
the Gentoo Security Website:

  http://security.gentoo.org/glsa/glsa-200410-16.xml

Concerns?
=========

Security is a primary focus of Gentoo Linux and ensuring the
confidentiality and security of our users machines is of utmost
importance to us. Any security concerns should be addressed to
security () gentoo org or alternatively, you may file a bug at
http://bugs.gentoo.org.

License
=======

Copyright 2004 Gentoo Foundation, Inc; referenced text
belongs to its owner(s).

The contents of this document are licensed under the
Creative Commons - Attribution / Share Alike license.

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/1.0

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