CVE Vulnerabilities

CVE-2008-6397

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

Published: Mar 04, 2009 | Modified: Aug 17, 2017
CVSS 3.x
N/A
Source:
NVD
CVSS 2.x
4.4 MEDIUM
AV:L/AC:M/Au:N/C:P/I:P/A:P
RedHat/V2
RedHat/V3
Ubuntu
LOW

rlatex in AlcoveBook sgml2x 1.0.0 allows local users to overwrite arbitrary files via a symlink attack on temporary files.

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
Sgml2x Alcovebook 1.0.0 (including) 1.0.0 (including)
Sgml2x Ubuntu dapper *
Sgml2x Ubuntu gutsy *
Sgml2x Ubuntu hardy *
Sgml2x Ubuntu upstream *

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