Title: Gentoo sci-mathematics/gimps root privilege escalation via init script
Author: Michael Orlitzky
Fixed in: 28.10-r1
Summary
Gentoo’s sci-mathematics/gimps package before 28.10-r1 allowed local users to gain root by creating a hard link beneath /var/lib/gimps, because the service startup path executed an unsafe recursive chown.
Learn more
Michael Orlitzky’s detailed advisory provides the full technical disclosure and remediation references for CVE-2017-14484.
What is CVE?
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.
About Metro Data, Inc.
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.
About the CVE author, Michael J. Orlitzky
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.