CVE-2002-0638: Race Condition
First published: Mon Aug 12 2002(Updated: )
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.
Credit: cve@mitre.org
| Affected Software | Affected Version | How to fix |
|---|---|---|
| Mandrakesoft Mandrake Single Network Firewall | =7.2 | |
| Mandrake Linux | =7.2 | |
| Red Hat Linux | =6.1 | |
| Mandrake Linux | =8.2 | |
| Red Hat Linux | =7.0 | |
| Red Hat Linux | =6.2 | |
| Mandrake Linux | =7.0 | |
| Red Hat Linux | =6.1 | |
| Red Hat Linux | =6.0 | |
| Red Hat Linux | =6.1 | |
| Red Hat Linux | =7.2 | |
| Mandrake Linux | =8.1 | |
| Red Hat Linux | =6.2 | |
| Mandriva Linux Corporate Server | =1.0.1 | |
| Mandrake Linux | =7.1 | |
| Red Hat Linux | =7.3 | |
| HP Secure OS | =1.0 | |
| Red Hat Linux | =7.0 | |
| Red Hat Linux | =7.2 | |
| Mandrake Linux | =8.1 | |
| Red Hat Linux | =6.2 | |
| Mandrake Linux | =8.0 | |
| Red Hat Linux | =7.1 | |
| Red Hat Linux | =7.1 | |
| Red Hat Linux | =6.0 | |
| Red Hat Linux | =6.0 | |
| Mandrake Linux | =8.0 | |
| Red Hat Linux | =7.2 | |
| Red Hat Linux | =7.1 |
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Reference Links
- http://rhn.redhat.com/errata/RHSA-2002-132.html
- http://www.kb.cert.org/vuls/id/405955
- http://archives.neohapsis.com/archives/bugtraq/2002-07/0357.html
- http://www.redhat.com/support/errata/RHSA-2002-137.html
- http://distro.conectiva.com.br/atualizacoes/?id=a&anuncio=000523
- http://www.linux-mandrake.com/en/security/2002/MDKSA-2002-047.php
- http://archives.neohapsis.com/archives/bugtraq/2002-07/0396.html
- http://online.securityfocus.com/advisories/4320
- http://www.iss.net/security_center/static/9709.php
- http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/5344
- http://www.osvdb.org/5164
- http://marc.info/?l=bugtraq&m=102795787713996&w=2
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the severity of CVE-2002-0638?
CVE-2002-0638 is considered to have a low to medium severity due to its exploitation requiring a complex race condition.
How do I fix CVE-2002-0638?
To fix CVE-2002-0638, ensure you apply the appropriate patches or updates as provided by your operating system vendor.
Which operating systems are affected by CVE-2002-0638?
CVE-2002-0638 affects various versions of Red Hat Linux, Mandrake Linux, and HP Secure OS.
Can local users exploit CVE-2002-0638?
Yes, local users may exploit CVE-2002-0638 through a race condition when modifying /etc/passwd.
Is CVE-2002-0638 a critical vulnerability?
No, CVE-2002-0638 is not classified as critical but can lead to privilege escalation under certain conditions.
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