Vulnerabilities
Misconfiguration
Compliance
CVE Vulnerabilities

CVE-2007-5839

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

Published: Nov 06, 2007 | Modified: Apr 09, 2025
CVSS 3.x
N/A
Source:
NVD
CVSS 2.x
4.6 MEDIUM
AV:L/AC:L/Au:N/C:P/I:P/A:P
RedHat/V2
RedHat/V3
Ubuntu
MEDIUM
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Additional information
NVDhttps://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2007-5839
CWEhttps://cwe.mitre.org/data/definitions/59.html

The e_hostname function in commands.c in BitchX 1.1a allows local users to overwrite arbitrary files via a symlink attack on temporary files when using the (1) HOSTNAME or (2) IRCHOST command.

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

NameVendorStart VersionEnd Version
BitchxBitchx1.1a (including)1.1a (including)
Ircii-panaUbuntudapper*
Ircii-panaUbuntuedgy*
Ircii-panaUbuntufeisty*
Ircii-panaUbuntugutsy*

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

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