Vulnerability Description
setpwnam.c in the util-linux package, as included in Red Hat Linux 7.3 and earlier, and other operating systems, does not properly lock a temporary file when modifying /etc/passwd, which 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.
CVSS Score
MEDIUM
Affected Products
| Vendor | Product | Versions |
|---|---|---|
| Mandrakesoft | Mandrake Single Network Firewall | 7.2 |
| Hp | Secure Os | 1.0 |
| Mandrakesoft | Mandrake Linux | 7.0 |
| Mandrakesoft | Mandrake Linux Corporate Server | 1.0.1 |
| Redhat | Linux | 6.0 |
References
- ftp://ftp.caldera.com/pub/security/OpenLinux/CSSA-2002-043.0.txt
- http://archives.neohapsis.com/archives/bugtraq/2002-07/0357.html
- http://archives.neohapsis.com/archives/bugtraq/2002-07/0396.html
- http://distro.conectiva.com.br/atualizacoes/?id=a&anuncio=000523
- http://marc.info/?l=bugtraq&m=102795787713996&w=2
- http://online.securityfocus.com/advisories/4320
- http://rhn.redhat.com/errata/RHSA-2002-132.htmlPatchVendor Advisory
- http://www.iss.net/security_center/static/9709.php
- http://www.kb.cert.org/vuls/id/405955PatchThird Party AdvisoryUS Government Resource
- http://www.linux-mandrake.com/en/security/2002/MDKSA-2002-047.php
- http://www.osvdb.org/5164
- http://www.redhat.com/support/errata/RHSA-2002-137.html
- http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/5344
- ftp://ftp.caldera.com/pub/security/OpenLinux/CSSA-2002-043.0.txt
- http://archives.neohapsis.com/archives/bugtraq/2002-07/0357.html
FAQ
What is CVE-2002-0638?
CVE-2002-0638 is a vulnerability with a CVSS score of 6.2 (MEDIUM). setpwnam.c in the util-linux package, as included in Red Hat Linux 7.3 and earlier, and other operating systems, does not properly lock a temporary file when modifying /etc/passwd, which may allow loc...
How severe is CVE-2002-0638?
CVE-2002-0638 has been rated MEDIUM with a CVSS base score of 6.2/10. Review the CVSS metrics above for detailed severity breakdown.
Is there a patch for CVE-2002-0638?
Check the references section above for vendor advisories and patch information. Affected products include: Mandrakesoft Mandrake Single Network Firewall, Hp Secure Os, Mandrakesoft Mandrake Linux, Mandrakesoft Mandrake Linux Corporate Server, Redhat Linux.