Windows Hard LinkID: 65 | Date: (C)2012-05-14 (M)2022-10-10 |
Type: weakness | Status: INCOMPLETE |
Abstraction Type: Variant |
Description
The software, when opening a file or directory, does not
sufficiently handle when the name is associated with a hard link to a target
that is outside of the intended control sphere. This could allow an attacker to
cause the software to operate on unauthorized files.
Extended DescriptionFailure for a system to check for hard links can result in vulnerability
to different types of attacks. For example, an attacker can escalate their
privileges if a file used by a privileged program is replaced with a hard
link to a sensitive file (e.g. AUTOEXEC.BAT). When the process opens the
file, the attacker can assume the privileges of that process, or prevent the
program from accurately processing data.
Applicable PlatformsLanguage Class: AllOperating System Class: Windows
Time Of Introduction
Common Consequences
Scope | Technical Impact | Notes |
---|
ConfidentialityIntegrity | Read files or
directoriesModify files or
directories | |
Detection MethodsNone
Potential Mitigations
Phase | Strategy | Description | Effectiveness | Notes |
---|
Architecture and Design | Separation of Privilege | Follow the principle of least privilege when assigning access rights
to entities in a software system.Denying access to a file can prevent an attacker from replacing that
file with a link to a sensitive file. Ensure good compartmentalization
in the system to provide protected areas that can be trusted. | | |
Relationships
Related CWE | Type | View | Chain |
---|
CWE-65 ChildOf CWE-893 | Category | CWE-888 | |
Demonstrative ExamplesNone
Observed Examples
- CVE-2002-0725 : File system allows local attackers to hide file usage activities via a hard link to the target file, which causes the link to be recorded in the audit trail instead of the target file.
- CVE-2003-0844 : Web server plugin allows local users to overwrite arbitrary files via a symlink attack on predictable temporary filenames.
For more examples, refer to CVE relations in the bottom box.
White Box Definitions None
Black Box Definitions None
Taxynomy Mappings
Taxynomy | Id | Name | Fit |
---|
PLOVER | | Windows hard link | |
CERT C Secure Coding | FIO05-C | Identify files using multiple file
attributes | |
CERT C++ Secure Coding | FIO05-CPP | Identify files using multiple file
attributes | |
References:
- Mark Dowd John McDonald Justin Schuh .The Art of Software Security Assessment 1st Edition. Addison Wesley. Section:'Chapter 11, "Links", Page 676.'. Published on 2006.