This code in psql/command.c allows *any* system user to place a
predictably named symbolic link in /tmp and use it to alter/destroy
files owned by the user running psql. (tested - postgresql 7.0.2).
All the information a potential attacker would need are available via a
simple 'ps'.
It might (untested) also allow an another user to exploit the race
between the closing of the file by the editor and the re-reading of its
contents to execute arbitrary SQL commands.
IMHO these files, if they must be created in /tmp should at least be
created O_EXCL, but there are still editor vulnerabilities with opening
any files in a world writeable directory (see recent joe Vulnerability:
http://lwn.net/2000/1123/a/sec-joe.php3)
My system is RedHat 6.2 on an i686, with Postgresql 7.0.2 but the same
code currently exists in CVS (or at least CVS-web).
I am not subscribed to this list, so please CC me for replies. (Also
tell me if there is a more appropriate forum for this, but
www.postgresql.org doesn't have a listed security issue address).
--
Andrew Bartlett
abartlet@pcug.org.au