Common Weakness Enumeration

CWE-367

Allowed

Time-of-check Time-of-use (TOCTOU) Race Condition

Abstraction: Base · Status: Incomplete

The product checks the state of a resource before using that resource, but the resource's state can change between the check and the use in a way that invalidates the results of the check.

1067 vulnerabilities reference this CWE, most recent first.

GHSA-5529-988R-7C93

Vulnerability from github – Published: 2022-11-15 12:00 – Updated: 2022-11-18 18:30
VLAI
Details

DMA attacks on the parameter buffer used by the PnpSmm driver could change the contents after parameter values have been checked but before they are used (a TOCTOU attack) DMA attacks on the parameter buffer used by the PnpSmm driver could change the contents after parameter values have been checked but before they are used (a TOCTOU attack) . This issue was discovered by Insyde engineering during a security review. This iss was fixed in Kernel 5.2: 05.27.29, Kernel 5.3: 05.36.25, Kernel 5.4: 05.44.25, Kernel 5.5: 05.52.25. CWE-367 https://www.insyde.com/security-pledge/SA-2022043

Show details on source website

{
  "affected": [],
  "aliases": [
    "CVE-2022-30774"
  ],
  "database_specific": {
    "cwe_ids": [
      "CWE-367"
    ],
    "github_reviewed": false,
    "github_reviewed_at": null,
    "nvd_published_at": "2022-11-15T00:15:00Z",
    "severity": "MODERATE"
  },
  "details": "DMA attacks on the parameter buffer used by the PnpSmm driver could change the contents after parameter values have been checked but before they are used (a TOCTOU attack) DMA attacks on the parameter buffer used by the PnpSmm driver could change the contents after parameter values have been checked but before they are used (a TOCTOU attack) . This issue was discovered by Insyde engineering during a security review. This iss was fixed in Kernel 5.2: 05.27.29, Kernel 5.3: 05.36.25, Kernel 5.4: 05.44.25, Kernel 5.5: 05.52.25. CWE-367 https://www.insyde.com/security-pledge/SA-2022043",
  "id": "GHSA-5529-988r-7c93",
  "modified": "2022-11-18T18:30:25Z",
  "published": "2022-11-15T12:00:16Z",
  "references": [
    {
      "type": "ADVISORY",
      "url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2022-30774"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "https://cert-portal.siemens.com/productcert/pdf/ssa-450613.pdf"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "https://www.insyde.com/security-pledge"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "https://www.insyde.com/security-pledge/SA-2022043"
    }
  ],
  "schema_version": "1.4.0",
  "severity": [
    {
      "score": "CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:H/PR:H/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H",
      "type": "CVSS_V3"
    }
  ]
}

GHSA-55VP-4GRV-F6MG

Vulnerability from github – Published: 2022-03-12 00:00 – Updated: 2022-03-22 00:01
VLAI
Details

A race condition vulnerability exists in the QuickClean feature of McAfee Total Protection for Windows prior to 16.0.43 that allows a local user to gain privilege elevation and perform an arbitrary file delete. This could lead to sensitive files being deleted and potentially cause denial of service. This attack exploits the way symlinks are created and how the product works with them.

Show details on source website

{
  "affected": [],
  "aliases": [
    "CVE-2022-0280"
  ],
  "database_specific": {
    "cwe_ids": [
      "CWE-367"
    ],
    "github_reviewed": false,
    "github_reviewed_at": null,
    "nvd_published_at": "2022-03-10T23:15:00Z",
    "severity": "MODERATE"
  },
  "details": "A race condition vulnerability exists in the QuickClean feature of McAfee Total Protection for Windows prior to 16.0.43 that allows a local user to gain privilege elevation and perform an arbitrary file delete. This could lead to sensitive files being deleted and potentially cause denial of service. This attack exploits the way symlinks are created and how the product works with them.",
  "id": "GHSA-55vp-4grv-f6mg",
  "modified": "2022-03-22T00:01:10Z",
  "published": "2022-03-12T00:00:38Z",
  "references": [
    {
      "type": "ADVISORY",
      "url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2022-0280"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "https://service.mcafee.com/?articleId=TS103271\u0026page=shell\u0026shell=article-view"
    }
  ],
  "schema_version": "1.4.0",
  "severity": [
    {
      "score": "CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:H/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:H/A:H",
      "type": "CVSS_V3"
    }
  ]
}

GHSA-56FH-GXC8-3P64

Vulnerability from github – Published: 2026-02-10 18:30 – Updated: 2026-02-10 18:30
VLAI
Details

Time-of-check time-of-use (toctou) race condition in Windows HTTP.sys allows an authorized attacker to elevate privileges locally.

Show details on source website

{
  "affected": [],
  "aliases": [
    "CVE-2026-21240"
  ],
  "database_specific": {
    "cwe_ids": [
      "CWE-367"
    ],
    "github_reviewed": false,
    "github_reviewed_at": null,
    "nvd_published_at": "2026-02-10T18:16:24Z",
    "severity": "HIGH"
  },
  "details": "Time-of-check time-of-use (toctou) race condition in Windows HTTP.sys allows an authorized attacker to elevate privileges locally.",
  "id": "GHSA-56fh-gxc8-3p64",
  "modified": "2026-02-10T18:30:41Z",
  "published": "2026-02-10T18:30:41Z",
  "references": [
    {
      "type": "ADVISORY",
      "url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-21240"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "https://msrc.microsoft.com/update-guide/vulnerability/CVE-2026-21240"
    }
  ],
  "schema_version": "1.4.0",
  "severity": [
    {
      "score": "CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H",
      "type": "CVSS_V3"
    }
  ]
}

GHSA-56GG-2FF9-P4JP

Vulnerability from github – Published: 2022-05-13 01:48 – Updated: 2022-05-13 01:48
VLAI
Details

A security feature bypass exists when Device Guard incorrectly validates an untrusted file, aka "Device Guard Security Feature Bypass Vulnerability." This affects Windows Server 2016, Windows 10, Windows 10 Servers.

Show details on source website

{
  "affected": [],
  "aliases": [
    "CVE-2018-0966"
  ],
  "database_specific": {
    "cwe_ids": [
      "CWE-367"
    ],
    "github_reviewed": false,
    "github_reviewed_at": null,
    "nvd_published_at": "2018-04-12T01:29:00Z",
    "severity": "LOW"
  },
  "details": "A security feature bypass exists when Device Guard incorrectly validates an untrusted file, aka \"Device Guard Security Feature Bypass Vulnerability.\" This affects Windows Server 2016, Windows 10, Windows 10 Servers.",
  "id": "GHSA-56gg-2ff9-p4jp",
  "modified": "2022-05-13T01:48:28Z",
  "published": "2022-05-13T01:48:28Z",
  "references": [
    {
      "type": "ADVISORY",
      "url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2018-0966"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "https://portal.msrc.microsoft.com/en-US/security-guidance/advisory/CVE-2018-0966"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "https://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/44466"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/103622"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "http://www.securitytracker.com/id/1040660"
    }
  ],
  "schema_version": "1.4.0",
  "severity": [
    {
      "score": "CVSS:3.0/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:L/A:N",
      "type": "CVSS_V3"
    }
  ]
}

GHSA-56QH-F2PG-88CJ

Vulnerability from github – Published: 2025-08-26 12:30 – Updated: 2025-08-26 12:30
VLAI
Details

Race Condition in the Directory Validation Logic in the TeamViewer Full Client and Host prior version 15.69 on Windows allows a local non-admin user to create arbitrary files with SYSTEM privileges, potentially leading to a denial-of-service condition, via symbolic link manipulation during directory verification.

Show details on source website

{
  "affected": [],
  "aliases": [
    "CVE-2025-44002"
  ],
  "database_specific": {
    "cwe_ids": [
      "CWE-367"
    ],
    "github_reviewed": false,
    "github_reviewed_at": null,
    "nvd_published_at": "2025-08-26T11:15:32Z",
    "severity": "MODERATE"
  },
  "details": "Race Condition in the Directory Validation Logic in the TeamViewer Full Client and Host prior version 15.69 on Windows allows a local non-admin user to create arbitrary files with SYSTEM privileges, potentially leading to a denial-of-service condition, via symbolic link manipulation during directory verification.",
  "id": "GHSA-56qh-f2pg-88cj",
  "modified": "2025-08-26T12:30:23Z",
  "published": "2025-08-26T12:30:23Z",
  "references": [
    {
      "type": "ADVISORY",
      "url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2025-44002"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "https://www.teamviewer.com/en/resources/trust-center/security-bulletins/tv-2025-1003"
    }
  ],
  "schema_version": "1.4.0",
  "severity": [
    {
      "score": "CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:L/A:H",
      "type": "CVSS_V3"
    }
  ]
}

GHSA-57F7-WFQR-87R7

Vulnerability from github – Published: 2025-05-09 18:30 – Updated: 2025-05-09 18:30
VLAI
Details

Link Following Local Privilege Escalation Vulnerability in NortonUtilitiesSvc in Norton Utilities Ultimate Version 24.2.16862.6344 on Windows 10 Pro x64 allows local attackers to escalate privileges and execute arbitrary code in the context of SYSTEM via the creation of a symbolic link and leveraging a TOCTTOU (time-of-check to time-of-use) attack.

Show details on source website

{
  "affected": [],
  "aliases": [
    "CVE-2024-13944"
  ],
  "database_specific": {
    "cwe_ids": [
      "CWE-367",
      "CWE-59"
    ],
    "github_reviewed": false,
    "github_reviewed_at": null,
    "nvd_published_at": "2025-05-09T16:15:23Z",
    "severity": "HIGH"
  },
  "details": "Link Following Local Privilege Escalation Vulnerability in NortonUtilitiesSvc in Norton Utilities Ultimate Version 24.2.16862.6344 on Windows 10 Pro x64 allows local attackers to escalate privileges and execute arbitrary code in the context of SYSTEM via the creation of a symbolic link and leveraging a TOCTTOU (time-of-check to time-of-use) attack.",
  "id": "GHSA-57f7-wfqr-87r7",
  "modified": "2025-05-09T18:30:36Z",
  "published": "2025-05-09T18:30:36Z",
  "references": [
    {
      "type": "ADVISORY",
      "url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2024-13944"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "https://www.gendigital.com/us/en/contact-us/security-advisories"
    }
  ],
  "schema_version": "1.4.0",
  "severity": [
    {
      "score": "CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H",
      "type": "CVSS_V3"
    }
  ]
}

GHSA-5F25-6F2X-H9X6

Vulnerability from github – Published: 2022-04-29 01:27 – Updated: 2022-04-29 01:27
VLAI
Details

A multi-threaded race condition in the Windows RPC DCOM functionality with the MS03-039 patch installed allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (crash or reboot) by causing two threads to process the same RPC request, which causes one thread to use memory after it has been freed, a different vulnerability than CVE-2003-0352 (Blaster/Nachi), CVE-2003-0715, and CVE-2003-0528, and as demonstrated by certain exploits against those vulnerabilities.

Show details on source website

{
  "affected": [],
  "aliases": [
    "CVE-2003-0813"
  ],
  "database_specific": {
    "cwe_ids": [
      "CWE-367"
    ],
    "github_reviewed": false,
    "github_reviewed_at": null,
    "nvd_published_at": "2003-11-17T05:00:00Z",
    "severity": "MODERATE"
  },
  "details": "A multi-threaded race condition in the Windows RPC DCOM functionality with the MS03-039 patch installed allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (crash or reboot) by causing two threads to process the same RPC request, which causes one thread to use memory after it has been freed, a different vulnerability than CVE-2003-0352 (Blaster/Nachi), CVE-2003-0715, and CVE-2003-0528, and as demonstrated by certain exploits against those vulnerabilities.",
  "id": "GHSA-5f25-6f2x-h9x6",
  "modified": "2022-04-29T01:27:02Z",
  "published": "2022-04-29T01:27:02Z",
  "references": [
    {
      "type": "ADVISORY",
      "url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2003-0813"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/security-updates/securitybulletins/2004/ms04-012"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "https://oval.cisecurity.org/repository/search/definition/oval%3Aorg.mitre.oval%3Adef%3A893"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "https://oval.cisecurity.org/repository/search/definition/oval%3Aorg.mitre.oval%3Adef%3A894"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "https://oval.cisecurity.org/repository/search/definition/oval%3Aorg.mitre.oval%3Adef%3A900"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "http://lists.grok.org.uk/pipermail/full-disclosure/2003-October/011870.html"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "http://lists.grok.org.uk/pipermail/full-disclosure/2003-October/011886.html"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "http://lists.grok.org.uk/pipermail/full-disclosure/2003-October/011901.html"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "http://marc.info/?l=bugtraq\u0026m=106579825211708\u0026w=2"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "http://marc.info/?l=bugtraq\u0026m=106588827513795\u0026w=2"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "http://marc.info/?l=ntbugtraq\u0026m=106580303918155\u0026w=2"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "http://www.kb.cert.org/vuls/id/547820"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/8811"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "http://www.securitylab.ru/_exploits/rpc2.c.txt"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "http://www.us-cert.gov/cas/techalerts/TA04-104A.html"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "http://xforce.iss.net/xforce/alerts/id/155"
    }
  ],
  "schema_version": "1.4.0",
  "severity": []
}

GHSA-5G3C-XPC6-569G

Vulnerability from github – Published: 2024-02-13 18:38 – Updated: 2024-02-13 18:38
VLAI
Details

Windows Kernel Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability

Show details on source website

{
  "affected": [],
  "aliases": [
    "CVE-2024-21371"
  ],
  "database_specific": {
    "cwe_ids": [
      "CWE-367"
    ],
    "github_reviewed": false,
    "github_reviewed_at": null,
    "nvd_published_at": "2024-02-13T18:15:54Z",
    "severity": "HIGH"
  },
  "details": "Windows Kernel Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability",
  "id": "GHSA-5g3c-xpc6-569g",
  "modified": "2024-02-13T18:38:24Z",
  "published": "2024-02-13T18:38:24Z",
  "references": [
    {
      "type": "ADVISORY",
      "url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2024-21371"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "https://msrc.microsoft.com/update-guide/vulnerability/CVE-2024-21371"
    }
  ],
  "schema_version": "1.4.0",
  "severity": [
    {
      "score": "CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:H/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H",
      "type": "CVSS_V3"
    }
  ]
}

GHSA-5H2C-H5CV-642Q

Vulnerability from github – Published: 2025-05-08 18:30 – Updated: 2025-05-08 18:30
VLAI
Details

Dell PowerScale OneFS, versions 9.8.0.0 through 9.10.1.0, contain a time-of-check time-of-use (TOCTOU) race condition vulnerability. An unauthenticated attacker with local access could potentially exploit this vulnerability, leading to denial of service and information tampering.

Show details on source website

{
  "affected": [],
  "aliases": [
    "CVE-2025-30101"
  ],
  "database_specific": {
    "cwe_ids": [
      "CWE-367"
    ],
    "github_reviewed": false,
    "github_reviewed_at": null,
    "nvd_published_at": "2025-05-08T18:15:42Z",
    "severity": "MODERATE"
  },
  "details": "Dell PowerScale OneFS, versions 9.8.0.0 through 9.10.1.0, contain a time-of-check time-of-use (TOCTOU) race condition vulnerability. An unauthenticated attacker with local access could potentially exploit this vulnerability, leading to denial of service and information tampering.",
  "id": "GHSA-5h2c-h5cv-642q",
  "modified": "2025-05-08T18:30:42Z",
  "published": "2025-05-08T18:30:42Z",
  "references": [
    {
      "type": "ADVISORY",
      "url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2025-30101"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "https://www.dell.com/support/kbdoc/en-us/000317419/dsa-2025-192-security-update-for-dell-powerscale-onefs-for-multiple-security-vulnerabilities"
    }
  ],
  "schema_version": "1.4.0",
  "severity": [
    {
      "score": "CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:L/A:L",
      "type": "CVSS_V3"
    }
  ]
}

GHSA-5H3G-6XHH-RG6P

Vulnerability from github – Published: 2026-05-04 21:07 – Updated: 2026-05-12 13:36
VLAI
Summary
OpenClaw: OpenShell FS bridge reads pin and verify the opened file before returning bytes
Details

Summary

OpenShell FS bridge reads pin and verify the opened file before returning bytes

Affected Packages / Versions

  • Package: openclaw (npm)
  • Affected versions: <= 2026.4.21
  • Fixed version: 2026.4.22

Impact

A time-of-check/time-of-use race around OpenShell sandbox filesystem reads could let a symlink swap cause bytes outside the intended mount root to be read.

Fix

OpenShell reads now open the file with no-follow semantics where available, validate the pinned file descriptor against the canonical mount root, reject unsafe hardlink/symlink cases, and use a strict fallback ancestor walk on platforms without fd-path readback.

Fix Commit(s)

  • 95119017c847c737bd113f0bff728c4666d79c45

Verification

  • The fix commit is contained in the public v2026.4.22 tag.
  • openclaw@2026.4.22 is published on npm and the compiled package contains the fix.
  • Focused regression coverage for this path passed before publication.

Thanks @VladimirEliTokarev for reporting.

Show details on source website

{
  "affected": [
    {
      "database_specific": {
        "last_known_affected_version_range": "\u003c= 2026.4.21"
      },
      "package": {
        "ecosystem": "npm",
        "name": "openclaw"
      },
      "ranges": [
        {
          "events": [
            {
              "introduced": "0"
            },
            {
              "fixed": "2026.4.22"
            }
          ],
          "type": "ECOSYSTEM"
        }
      ]
    }
  ],
  "aliases": [
    "CVE-2026-44113"
  ],
  "database_specific": {
    "cwe_ids": [
      "CWE-367"
    ],
    "github_reviewed": true,
    "github_reviewed_at": "2026-05-04T21:07:36Z",
    "nvd_published_at": null,
    "severity": "MODERATE"
  },
  "details": "## Summary\nOpenShell FS bridge reads pin and verify the opened file before returning bytes \n\n## Affected Packages / Versions\n- Package: openclaw (npm)\n- Affected versions: \u003c= 2026.4.21\n- Fixed version: 2026.4.22\n\n## Impact\nA time-of-check/time-of-use race around OpenShell sandbox filesystem reads could let a symlink swap cause bytes outside the intended mount root to be read.\n\n## Fix\nOpenShell reads now open the file with no-follow semantics where available, validate the pinned file descriptor against the canonical mount root, reject unsafe hardlink/symlink cases, and use a strict fallback ancestor walk on platforms without fd-path readback.\n\n## Fix Commit(s)\n- 95119017c847c737bd113f0bff728c4666d79c45\n\n## Verification\n- The fix commit is contained in the public v2026.4.22 tag.\n- openclaw@2026.4.22 is published on npm and the compiled package contains the fix.\n- Focused regression coverage for this path passed before publication.\n\nThanks @VladimirEliTokarev for reporting.",
  "id": "GHSA-5h3g-6xhh-rg6p",
  "modified": "2026-05-12T13:36:34Z",
  "published": "2026-05-04T21:07:36Z",
  "references": [
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/security/advisories/GHSA-5h3g-6xhh-rg6p"
    },
    {
      "type": "ADVISORY",
      "url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-44113"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/commit/95119017c847c737bd113f0bff728c4666d79c45"
    },
    {
      "type": "PACKAGE",
      "url": "https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "https://www.vulncheck.com/advisories/openclaw-time-of-check-time-of-use-race-condition-in-openshell-fs-bridge"
    }
  ],
  "schema_version": "1.4.0",
  "severity": [
    {
      "score": "CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:H/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:N/A:N",
      "type": "CVSS_V3"
    },
    {
      "score": "CVSS:4.0/AV:N/AC:H/AT:P/PR:L/UI:N/VC:H/VI:N/VA:N/SC:N/SI:N/SA:N",
      "type": "CVSS_V4"
    }
  ],
  "summary": "OpenClaw: OpenShell FS bridge reads pin and verify the opened file before returning bytes"
}

Mitigation
Implementation

The most basic advice for TOCTOU vulnerabilities is to not perform a check before the use. This does not resolve the underlying issue of the execution of a function on a resource whose state and identity cannot be assured, but it does help to limit the false sense of security given by the check.

Mitigation
Implementation

When the file being altered is owned by the current user and group, set the effective gid and uid to that of the current user and group when executing this statement.

Mitigation
Architecture and Design

Limit the interleaving of operations on files from multiple processes.

Mitigation
Implementation Architecture and Design

If you cannot perform operations atomically and you must share access to the resource between multiple processes or threads, then try to limit the amount of time (CPU cycles) between the check and use of the resource. This will not fix the problem, but it could make it more difficult for an attack to succeed.

Mitigation
Implementation

Recheck the resource after the use call to verify that the action was taken appropriately.

Mitigation
Architecture and Design

Ensure that some environmental locking mechanism can be used to protect resources effectively.

Mitigation
Implementation

Ensure that locking occurs before the check, as opposed to afterwards, such that the resource, as checked, is the same as it is when in use.

CAPEC-27: Leveraging Race Conditions via Symbolic Links

This attack leverages the use of symbolic links (Symlinks) in order to write to sensitive files. An attacker can create a Symlink link to a target file not otherwise accessible to them. When the privileged program tries to create a temporary file with the same name as the Symlink link, it will actually write to the target file pointed to by the attackers' Symlink link. If the attacker can insert malicious content in the temporary file they will be writing to the sensitive file by using the Symlink. The race occurs because the system checks if the temporary file exists, then creates the file. The attacker would typically create the Symlink during the interval between the check and the creation of the temporary file.

CAPEC-29: Leveraging Time-of-Check and Time-of-Use (TOCTOU) Race Conditions

This attack targets a race condition occurring between the time of check (state) for a resource and the time of use of a resource. A typical example is file access. The adversary can leverage a file access race condition by "running the race", meaning that they would modify the resource between the first time the target program accesses the file and the time the target program uses the file. During that period of time, the adversary could replace or modify the file, causing the application to behave unexpectedly.