CVE Vulnerabilities

CVE-2003-0844

Improper Link Resolution Before File Access ('Link Following')

Published: Nov 17, 2003 | Modified: Feb 16, 2024
CVSS 3.x
7.1
HIGH
Source:
NVD
CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:H/A:H
CVSS 2.x
2.1 LOW
AV:L/AC:L/Au:N/C:N/I:P/A:N
RedHat/V2
RedHat/V3
Ubuntu

mod_gzip 1.3.26.1a and earlier, and possibly later official versions, when running in debug mode without the Apache log, allows local users to overwrite arbitrary files via (1) a symlink attack on predictable temporary filenames on Unix systems, or (2) an NTFS hard link on Windows systems when the Strengthen default permissions of internal system objects policy is not enabled.

Weakness

The product attempts to access a file based on the filename, but it does not properly prevent that filename from identifying a link or shortcut that resolves to an unintended resource.

Affected Software

Name Vendor Start Version End Version
Mod_gzip Schroepl * 1.3.26.1a (including)

Potential Mitigations

  • Follow the principle of least privilege when assigning access rights to entities in a software system.
  • Denying access to a file can prevent an attacker from replacing that file with a link to a sensitive file. Ensure good compartmentalization in the system to provide protected areas that can be trusted.

References