Overview
During installation, Netscape 6.0.1 creates a temporary file with insecure options and a predictable name in a world-writable location. By using a symbolic link attack, an attacker could cause overwrite of arbitrary files.
Description
| The installation script for Netscape 6.0.1 creates a temporary file with a predictable name in /tmp, a world-writable directory. This file is not checked for prior existence or ownership. | 
Impact
| If the installation is done while the system is in multi-user mode, an attacker may be able to create a symbolic link with appropriate name and cause overwrite of any writable file on the system. | 
Solution
| The CERT/CC is currently unaware of a practical solution to this problem. | 
| Perform the install in single-user mode. | 
Vendor Information
CVSS Metrics
| Group | Score | Vector | 
|---|---|---|
| Base | ||
| Temporal | ||
| Environmental | 
References
Acknowledgements
This vulnerability was first described by Larry W. Cashdollar.
This document was last modified by Tim Shimeall.
Other Information
| CVE IDs: | CVE-2001-1066 | 
| Severity Metric: | 1.58 | 
| Date Public: | 2001-08-28 | 
| Date First Published: | 2001-11-15 | 
| Date Last Updated: | 2001-11-15 16:30 UTC | 
| Document Revision: | 8 |