CVE Vulnerabilities

CVE-2008-5142

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

Published: Nov 18, 2008 | Modified: Apr 09, 2025
CVSS 3.x
N/A
Source:
NVD
CVSS 2.x
6.9 MEDIUM
AV:L/AC:M/Au:N/C:C/I:C/A:C
RedHat/V2
RedHat/V3
Ubuntu
LOW
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sendbug in freebsd-sendpr 3.113+5.3 on Debian GNU/Linux allows local users to overwrite arbitrary files via a symlink attack on a /tmp/pr.##### temporary file.

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
Freebsd-sendprFreebsd3.113+5.3 (including)3.113+5.3 (including)
Freebsd-sendprUbuntudapper*
Freebsd-sendprUbuntugutsy*
Freebsd-sendprUbuntuhardy*
Freebsd-sendprUbuntuintrepid*
Freebsd-sendprUbuntujaunty*
Freebsd-sendprUbuntukarmic*
Freebsd-sendprUbuntulucid*
Freebsd-sendprUbuntumaverick*
Freebsd-sendprUbuntunatty*
Freebsd-sendprUbuntuoneiric*
Freebsd-sendprUbuntuprecise*
Freebsd-sendprUbuntuquantal*
Freebsd-sendprUbunturaring*
Freebsd-sendprUbuntusaucy*

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