----------------------------------------------------------------------


Looking for a job?


Secunia is hiring skilled researchers and talented developers.


http://secunia.com/company/jobs/


----------------------------------------------------------------------

TITLE:
Mathematica for Linux Insecure Temporary Files

SECUNIA ADVISORY ID:
SA39805

VERIFY ADVISORY:
http://secunia.com/advisories/39805/

DESCRIPTION:
Paul Szabo has reported some security issues in Mathematica, which
can be exploited by malicious, local users to potentially gain
escalated privileges.

The application uses temporary files in the /tmp/MathLink directory
in an insecure manner. This can be exploited to create world writable
files in normally restricted directories or corrupt restricted files
via symlink attacks. 

NOTE: An insecure usage of the /tmp/fonts$$.conf file was also
reported.

The security issues are reported in Mathematica 7 for Linux. Other
Linux versions may also be affected.

SOLUTION:
Restrict local access to trusted users only. Do not run Mathematica
as root.

PROVIDED AND/OR DISCOVERED BY:
Paul Szabo

ORIGINAL ADVISORY:
http://archives.neohapsis.com/archives/fulldisclosure/2010-05/0177.html

----------------------------------------------------------------------

About:
This Advisory was delivered by Secunia as a free service to help
private users keeping their systems up to date against the latest
vulnerabilities.

Subscribe:
http://secunia.com/advisories/secunia_security_advisories/

Definitions: (Criticality, Where etc.)
http://secunia.com/advisories/about_secunia_advisories/


Please Note:
Secunia recommends that you verify all advisories you receive by
clicking the link.
Secunia NEVER sends attached files with advisories.
Secunia does not advise people to install third party patches, only
use those supplied by the vendor.

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Unsubscribe: Secunia Security Advisories
http://secunia.com/sec_adv_unsubscribe/?email=packet%40packetstormsecurity.org

----------------------------------------------------------------------