September, 9, 2022
Michael Orlitzky discovers another Critical Vulnerability, Publishes CVE-2022-40299
Product - Singular, Versions affected - 4.3.0 and earlier
Fixed in commits 72df188 and 5f28fbf0, version 4.3.1
Bug report https://github.com/Singular/Singular/issues/1137
MITRE - https://cve.mitre.org/cgi-bin/cvename.cgi?name=CVE-2022-40299
Summary
The Singular interface (as opposed to its library of Singular code) uses fixed paths under the world-writable /tmp for log files and as scratch space for the debugger. This can be exploited in well-known ways. In particular, an attacker can make Singular overwrite files belonging to the Singular user, or in rare cases, to execute code.
Both of these can be exploited in familiar ways to clobber files owned by the Singular user. The sdb vulnerability can also lead to code execution if the attacker is able to modify the code snippet as it is being loaded from the scratch file back into Singular.
Resolution
The logfile issue was resolved in commit 72df188 by making the --log flag take a mandatory parameter specifying the filename. Presumably the user will not specify a world-writable path. The sdb issue was resolved in commit 5f28fbf0 by using mkstemp() to create the scratch file.
Learn More
Complete details here: http://michael.orlitzky.com/cves/cve-2022-40299.xhtml
For more information, call: 410-667-3600
What is CVE?
Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE®) is a list of common identifiers for publicly known cybersecurity vulnerabilities, and is the industry standard for vulnerability and exposure identifiers.
The process of creating a CVE Entry begins with the discovery of a potential security vulnerability. The MITRE Corporation currently maintains CVE and this public website, oversees the CNAs and CVE Board, and provides impartial technical guidance throughout the process to ensure CVE serves the public interest.
About Metro Data, Inc.
Founded in 1994, Metro Data, Inc. is a leading information systems & services firm that works exclusively with business clients to develop and apply customized technology solutions that accomplish a client's strategic goals.
Businesses have chosen Metro Data, Inc. to help keep pace with the ever-changing technology landscape. Metro Data, Inc.’s "end-to-end" experience helps their customers to secure their systems, reduce costs, and improve their business information systems performance.
About the CVE Author, Michael J. Orlitzky
Mike has been with Metro Data, Inc. for over 20 years. He holds a PhD in Mathematics. He has been globally recognized for his work in discovering (and fixing) vulnerabilities in operating systems and application software. His research has been published in professional journals and he's been acknowledged by industry and academic peers for his work.
