Exploits Discovered - Published CVE-2019-20384

Title: Portage insecure temporary location

Author: Michael Orlitzky

Fixed in: Commit ef8c21e5; Portage 2.3.94

Gentoo Portage used temporary build locations that could be accessible to unprivileged users while package build phases were running with root privileges. In common reinstall or source-tree reuse scenarios, a local user could alter files that a privileged build would later consume, creating a route to root compromise.

Michael Orlitzky’s detailed advisory provides the full technical disclosure and remediation references for CVE-2019-20384.

Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) provides standard public identifiers for known cybersecurity vulnerabilities. MITRE maintains the CVE program and coordinates its vulnerability-identification ecosystem in the public interest.

Founded in 1994, Metro Data, Inc. is an information-systems and services firm that works exclusively with business clients to develop and apply technology solutions aligned with client goals.

Metro Data’s end-to-end experience helps customers keep pace with changing technology, secure systems, reduce costs, and improve information-system performance.

Michael J. Orlitzky is a long-time Metro Data technical leader with a Ph.D. in mathematics who has discovered and helped remediate vulnerabilities in operating systems and application software, with research recognized by industry and academic peers.