CVE Vulnerabilities

CVE-2013-0261

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

Published: Mar 08, 2013 | Modified: Apr 30, 2026
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
8.8 MODERATE
CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H
Ubuntu
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A flaw was found in PackStack. A local user could exploit a symlink attack on a temporary file with a predictable name in the /tmp directory. This vulnerability allows the local user to overwrite arbitrary files on the system, potentially leading to system compromise or data corruption.

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
EssexOpenstack- (including)- (including)
FolsomOpenstack- (including)- (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