CVE-2025-7012

An issue in Cato Networks CatoClient for Linux, before version 5.5, allows a local attacker to escalate privileges to root by exploiting improper symbolic link handling.

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.

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.

Related Attack Patterns

• https://cwe.mitre.org/data/definitions/132.html
• https://cwe.mitre.org/data/definitions/17.html
• https://cwe.mitre.org/data/definitions/35.html
• https://cwe.mitre.org/data/definitions/76.html

References

• https://support.catonetworks.com/hc/en-us/articles/28552501717405-CVE-2025-7012-Linux-Client-Local-Privilege-Escalation-via-Symbolic-Link-Handling