Common Weakness Enumeration

CWE-59

Allowed

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

Abstraction: Base · Status: Draft

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.

2029 vulnerabilities reference this CWE, most recent first.

GHSA-98H5-28MW-XJRQ

Vulnerability from github – Published: 2022-04-22 00:24 – Updated: 2024-04-03 23:05
VLAI
Details

Hardlink before 0.1.2 operates on full file system objects path names which can allow a local attacker to use this flaw to conduct symlink attacks.

Show details on source website

{
  "affected": [],
  "aliases": [
    "CVE-2011-3632"
  ],
  "database_specific": {
    "cwe_ids": [
      "CWE-59"
    ],
    "github_reviewed": false,
    "github_reviewed_at": null,
    "nvd_published_at": "2019-11-26T04:15:00Z",
    "severity": "HIGH"
  },
  "details": "Hardlink before 0.1.2 operates on full file system objects path names which can allow a local attacker to use this flaw to conduct symlink attacks.",
  "id": "GHSA-98h5-28mw-xjrq",
  "modified": "2024-04-03T23:05:37Z",
  "published": "2022-04-22T00:24:18Z",
  "references": [
    {
      "type": "ADVISORY",
      "url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2011-3632"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "https://access.redhat.com/security/cve/cve-2011-3632"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "https://bugs.debian.org/cgi-bin/bugreport.cgi?bug=645516"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "https://bugzilla.redhat.com/show_bug.cgi?id=CVE-2011-3632"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "https://security-tracker.debian.org/tracker/CVE-2011-3632"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "https://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2011/10/15/2"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "https://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2011/10/20/6"
    }
  ],
  "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:N",
      "type": "CVSS_V3"
    }
  ]
}

GHSA-98QQ-6F93-2RG7

Vulnerability from github – Published: 2022-05-03 03:14 – Updated: 2022-05-03 03:14
VLAI
Details

The sort_offline function for texindex in texinfo 4.8 and earlier allows local users to overwrite arbitrary files via a symlink attack on temporary files.

Show details on source website

{
  "affected": [],
  "aliases": [
    "CVE-2005-3011"
  ],
  "database_specific": {
    "cwe_ids": [
      "CWE-59"
    ],
    "github_reviewed": false,
    "github_reviewed_at": null,
    "nvd_published_at": "2005-09-21T20:03:00Z",
    "severity": "LOW"
  },
  "details": "The sort_offline function for texindex in texinfo 4.8 and earlier allows local users to overwrite arbitrary files via a symlink attack on temporary files.",
  "id": "GHSA-98qq-6f93-2rg7",
  "modified": "2022-05-03T03:14:23Z",
  "published": "2022-05-03T03:14:23Z",
  "references": [
    {
      "type": "ADVISORY",
      "url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2005-3011"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "https://oval.cisecurity.org/repository/search/definition/oval%3Aorg.mitre.oval%3Adef%3A10589"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "http://bugs.debian.org/cgi-bin/bugreport.cgi?bug=328365"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=305530"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "http://lists.apple.com/archives/security-announce/2007/May/msg00004.html"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "http://lists.trustix.org/pipermail/tsl-announce/2005-October/000354.html"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "http://secunia.com/advisories/16816"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "http://secunia.com/advisories/17070"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "http://secunia.com/advisories/17076"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "http://secunia.com/advisories/17093"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "http://secunia.com/advisories/17211"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "http://secunia.com/advisories/17215"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "http://secunia.com/advisories/18401"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "http://secunia.com/advisories/22929"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "http://secunia.com/advisories/23112"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "http://secunia.com/advisories/24788"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "http://secunia.com/advisories/25402"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "http://securitytracker.com/id?1014992"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "http://securitytracker.com/id?1015468"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "http://www.debian.org/security/2006/dsa-1219"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "http://www.gentoo.org/security/en/glsa/glsa-200510-04.xml"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "http://www.mandriva.com/security/advisories?name=MDKSA-2005:175"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "http://www.novell.com/linux/security/advisories/2005_23_sr.html"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "http://www.redhat.com/support/errata/RHSA-2006-0727.html"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "http://www.securityfocus.com/archive/1/464745/100/0/threaded"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/14854"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "http://www.ubuntu.com/usn/usn-194-1"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "http://www.vmware.com/support/vi3/doc/esx-1121906-patch.html"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "http://www.vmware.com/support/vi3/doc/esx-2559638-patch.html"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "http://www.vupen.com/english/advisories/2007/1267"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "http://www.vupen.com/english/advisories/2007/1939"
    }
  ],
  "schema_version": "1.4.0",
  "severity": []
}

GHSA-9933-5G23-6JQ2

Vulnerability from github – Published: 2024-01-23 21:30 – Updated: 2025-06-20 21:31
VLAI
Details

A security agent link following vulnerability in Trend Micro Apex One could allow a local attacker to escalate privileges on affected installations.

Please note: an attacker must first obtain the ability to execute low-privileged code on the target system in order to exploit this vulnerability.

Show details on source website

{
  "affected": [],
  "aliases": [
    "CVE-2023-52092"
  ],
  "database_specific": {
    "cwe_ids": [
      "CWE-59"
    ],
    "github_reviewed": false,
    "github_reviewed_at": null,
    "nvd_published_at": "2024-01-23T21:15:09Z",
    "severity": "HIGH"
  },
  "details": "A security agent link following vulnerability in Trend Micro Apex One could allow a local attacker to escalate privileges on affected installations.\n\nPlease note: an attacker must first obtain the ability to execute low-privileged code on the target system in order to exploit this vulnerability.",
  "id": "GHSA-9933-5g23-6jq2",
  "modified": "2025-06-20T21:31:50Z",
  "published": "2024-01-23T21:30:21Z",
  "references": [
    {
      "type": "ADVISORY",
      "url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2023-52092"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "https://success.trendmicro.com/dcx/s/solution/000296151?language=en_US"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "https://www.zerodayinitiative.com/advisories/ZDI-24-025"
    }
  ],
  "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-99H4-V6GX-V3QP

Vulnerability from github – Published: 2022-09-29 00:00 – Updated: 2024-02-27 21:31
VLAI
Details

A link following vulnerability in Trend Micro Deep Security 20 and Cloud One - Workload Security Agent for Windows could allow a local attacker to escalate privileges on affected installations. Please note: an attacker must first obtain the ability to execute low-privileged code on the target system in order to exploit this vulnerability.

Show details on source website

{
  "affected": [],
  "aliases": [
    "CVE-2022-40710"
  ],
  "database_specific": {
    "cwe_ids": [
      "CWE-59"
    ],
    "github_reviewed": false,
    "github_reviewed_at": null,
    "nvd_published_at": "2022-09-28T21:15:00Z",
    "severity": "HIGH"
  },
  "details": "A link following vulnerability in Trend Micro Deep Security 20 and Cloud One - Workload Security Agent for Windows could allow a local attacker to escalate privileges on affected installations. Please note: an attacker must first obtain the ability to execute low-privileged code on the target system in order to exploit this vulnerability.",
  "id": "GHSA-99h4-v6gx-v3qp",
  "modified": "2024-02-27T21:31:24Z",
  "published": "2022-09-29T00:00:19Z",
  "references": [
    {
      "type": "ADVISORY",
      "url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2022-40710"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "https://success.trendmicro.com/solution/000291590"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "https://www.zerodayinitiative.com/advisories/ZDI-22-1296"
    }
  ],
  "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-99J6-PF9P-H77C

Vulnerability from github – Published: 2022-05-24 17:41 – Updated: 2022-05-24 17:41
VLAI
Details

Privilege Escalation vulnerability in McAfee Total Protection (MTP) prior to 16.0.30 allows a local user to gain elevated privileges and perform arbitrary file deletion as the SYSTEM user potentially causing Denial of Service via manipulating Junction link, after enumerating certain files, at a specific time.

Show details on source website

{
  "affected": [],
  "aliases": [
    "CVE-2021-23873"
  ],
  "database_specific": {
    "cwe_ids": [
      "CWE-269",
      "CWE-59"
    ],
    "github_reviewed": false,
    "github_reviewed_at": null,
    "nvd_published_at": "2021-02-10T11:15:00Z",
    "severity": "MODERATE"
  },
  "details": "Privilege Escalation vulnerability in McAfee Total Protection (MTP) prior to 16.0.30 allows a local user to gain elevated privileges and perform arbitrary file deletion as the SYSTEM user potentially causing Denial of Service via manipulating Junction link, after enumerating certain files, at a specific time.",
  "id": "GHSA-99j6-pf9p-h77c",
  "modified": "2022-05-24T17:41:45Z",
  "published": "2022-05-24T17:41:45Z",
  "references": [
    {
      "type": "ADVISORY",
      "url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2021-23873"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "https://www.zerodayinitiative.com/advisories/ZDI-21-175"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "http://service.mcafee.com/FAQDocument.aspx?\u0026id=TS103114"
    }
  ],
  "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-99VH-GVCG-X7Q6

Vulnerability from github – Published: 2022-05-01 23:48 – Updated: 2022-05-01 23:48
VLAI
Details

Launch Services in Apple Mac OS X before 10.5, when Open Safe Files is enabled, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a symlink attack, probably related to a race condition and automatic execution of a downloaded file.

Show details on source website

{
  "affected": [],
  "aliases": [
    "CVE-2008-2311"
  ],
  "database_specific": {
    "cwe_ids": [
      "CWE-362",
      "CWE-59"
    ],
    "github_reviewed": false,
    "github_reviewed_at": null,
    "nvd_published_at": "2008-07-01T18:41:00Z",
    "severity": "HIGH"
  },
  "details": "Launch Services in Apple Mac OS X before 10.5, when Open Safe Files is enabled, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a symlink attack, probably related to a race condition and automatic execution of a downloaded file.",
  "id": "GHSA-99vh-gvcg-x7q6",
  "modified": "2022-05-01T23:48:48Z",
  "published": "2022-05-01T23:48:48Z",
  "references": [
    {
      "type": "ADVISORY",
      "url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2008-2311"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "https://exchange.xforce.ibmcloud.com/vulnerabilities/43495"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "http://lists.apple.com/archives/security-announce/2008//Jun/msg00002.html"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "http://secunia.com/advisories/30802"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "http://securitytracker.com/id?1020393"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "http://support.apple.com/kb/HT2163"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/30018"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "http://www.vupen.com/english/advisories/2008/1981/references"
    }
  ],
  "schema_version": "1.4.0",
  "severity": []
}

GHSA-9C49-89G5-WCX6

Vulnerability from github – Published: 2022-05-02 00:05 – Updated: 2022-05-02 00:05
VLAI
Details

migrate_aliases.sh in Citadel Server 7.37 allows local users to overwrite arbitrary files via a symlink attack on a temporary file.

Show details on source website

{
  "affected": [],
  "aliases": [
    "CVE-2008-3930"
  ],
  "database_specific": {
    "cwe_ids": [
      "CWE-59"
    ],
    "github_reviewed": false,
    "github_reviewed_at": null,
    "nvd_published_at": "2008-09-04T18:41:00Z",
    "severity": "MODERATE"
  },
  "details": "migrate_aliases.sh in Citadel Server 7.37 allows local users to overwrite arbitrary files via a symlink attack on a temporary file.",
  "id": "GHSA-9c49-89g5-wcx6",
  "modified": "2022-05-02T00:05:06Z",
  "published": "2022-05-02T00:05:06Z",
  "references": [
    {
      "type": "ADVISORY",
      "url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2008-3930"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "https://bugs.gentoo.org/show_bug.cgi?id=235770"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "https://exchange.xforce.ibmcloud.com/vulnerabilities/44734"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "http://bugs.debian.org/cgi-bin/bugreport.cgi?bug=496359"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "http://dev.gentoo.org/~rbu/security/debiantemp/citadel-server"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "http://secunia.com/advisories/31648"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2008/10/30/2"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/30877"
    }
  ],
  "schema_version": "1.4.0",
  "severity": []
}

GHSA-9C4H-XHG9-X3GJ

Vulnerability from github – Published: 2025-06-26 21:31 – Updated: 2026-02-12 00:31
VLAI
Details

A path or symbolic link manipulation vulnerability in SIR 1.0.3 and prior versions allows an authenticated non-admin local user to overwrite system files with SIR backup files, which can potentially cause a system crash. This was achieved by adding a malicious entry to the registry under the Trellix SIR registry folder or via policy or with a junction symbolic link to files that the user would not normally have permission to acces

Show details on source website

{
  "affected": [],
  "aliases": [
    "CVE-2025-3771"
  ],
  "database_specific": {
    "cwe_ids": [
      "CWE-59"
    ],
    "github_reviewed": false,
    "github_reviewed_at": null,
    "nvd_published_at": "2025-06-26T11:15:29Z",
    "severity": "HIGH"
  },
  "details": "A path or symbolic link manipulation vulnerability in SIR 1.0.3 and prior versions allows an authenticated non-admin local user to overwrite system files with SIR backup files, which can potentially cause a system crash. This was achieved by adding a malicious entry to the registry under the Trellix SIR registry folder or via policy or with a junction symbolic link to files that the user would not normally have permission to acces",
  "id": "GHSA-9c4h-xhg9-x3gj",
  "modified": "2026-02-12T00:31:02Z",
  "published": "2025-06-26T21:31:21Z",
  "references": [
    {
      "type": "ADVISORY",
      "url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2025-3771"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "https://thrive.trellix.com/s/article/000014635"
    }
  ],
  "schema_version": "1.4.0",
  "severity": [
    {
      "score": "CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:H/A:H",
      "type": "CVSS_V3"
    },
    {
      "score": "CVSS:4.0/AV:L/AC:L/AT:P/PR:L/UI:N/VC:L/VI:H/VA:H/SC:L/SI:H/SA:H/E:X/CR:X/IR:X/AR:X/MAV:X/MAC:X/MAT:X/MPR:X/MUI:X/MVC:X/MVI:X/MVA:X/MSC:X/MSI:X/MSA:X/S:X/AU:X/R:X/V:X/RE:X/U:X",
      "type": "CVSS_V4"
    }
  ]
}

GHSA-9C6C-F33Q-QHR3

Vulnerability from github – Published: 2022-05-24 16:44 – Updated: 2024-02-27 21:31
VLAI
Details

In Pulse Secure Pulse Connect Secure version 9.0RX before 9.0R3.4, 8.3RX before 8.3R7.1, 8.2RX before 8.2R12.1, and 8.1RX before 8.1R15.1, an NFS problem could allow an authenticated attacker to access the contents of arbitrary files on the affected device.

Show details on source website

{
  "affected": [],
  "aliases": [
    "CVE-2019-11538"
  ],
  "database_specific": {
    "cwe_ids": [
      "CWE-59"
    ],
    "github_reviewed": false,
    "github_reviewed_at": null,
    "nvd_published_at": "2019-04-26T02:29:00Z",
    "severity": "HIGH"
  },
  "details": "In Pulse Secure Pulse Connect Secure version 9.0RX before 9.0R3.4, 8.3RX before 8.3R7.1, 8.2RX before 8.2R12.1, and 8.1RX before 8.1R15.1, an NFS problem could allow an authenticated attacker to access the contents of arbitrary files on the affected device.",
  "id": "GHSA-9c6c-f33q-qhr3",
  "modified": "2024-02-27T21:31:21Z",
  "published": "2022-05-24T16:44:44Z",
  "references": [
    {
      "type": "ADVISORY",
      "url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2019-11538"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "https://devco.re/blog/2019/09/02/attacking-ssl-vpn-part-3-the-golden-Pulse-Secure-ssl-vpn-rce-chain-with-Twitter-as-case-study"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "https://i.blackhat.com/USA-19/Wednesday/us-19-Tsai-Infiltrating-Corporate-Intranet-Like-NSA.pdf"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "https://kb.pulsesecure.net/articles/Pulse_Security_Advisories/SA44101"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "https://psirt.global.sonicwall.com/vuln-detail/SNWLID-2019-0010"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "https://www.kb.cert.org/vuls/id/927237"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/108073"
    }
  ],
  "schema_version": "1.4.0",
  "severity": [
    {
      "score": "CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:N/A:N",
      "type": "CVSS_V3"
    }
  ]
}

GHSA-9C9V-W225-V5RG

Vulnerability from github – Published: 2023-08-15 20:35 – Updated: 2023-08-23 17:19
VLAI
Summary
Ghost vulnerable to arbitrary file read via symlinks in content import
Details

Impact

A vulnerability in Ghost allows authenticated users to upload files which are symlinks. This can be exploited to perform an arbitrary file read of any file on the operating system.

Site administrators can check for exploitation of this issue by looking for unknown symlinks within Ghost's content/ folder

Vulnerable versions

This security vulnerability is present in Ghost ≤ v5.59.0.

Patches

v5.59.1 contains a fix for this issue.

For more information

If you have any questions or comments about this advisory: * Email us at security@ghost.org

Show details on source website

{
  "affected": [
    {
      "package": {
        "ecosystem": "npm",
        "name": "ghost"
      },
      "ranges": [
        {
          "events": [
            {
              "introduced": "0"
            },
            {
              "fixed": "5.59.1"
            }
          ],
          "type": "ECOSYSTEM"
        }
      ]
    }
  ],
  "aliases": [
    "CVE-2023-40028"
  ],
  "database_specific": {
    "cwe_ids": [
      "CWE-22",
      "CWE-59"
    ],
    "github_reviewed": true,
    "github_reviewed_at": "2023-08-15T20:35:20Z",
    "nvd_published_at": "2023-08-15T18:15:10Z",
    "severity": "MODERATE"
  },
  "details": "### Impact\n\nA vulnerability in Ghost allows authenticated users to upload files which are symlinks. This can be exploited to perform an arbitrary file read of any file on the operating system.\n\nSite administrators can check for exploitation of this issue by looking for unknown symlinks within Ghost\u0027s `content/` folder\n\n### Vulnerable versions\n\nThis security vulnerability is present in Ghost \u2264 v5.59.0.\n\n### Patches\n\nv5.59.1 contains a fix for this issue.\n\n### For more information\n\nIf you have any questions or comments about this advisory:\n* Email us at [security@ghost.org](mailto:security@ghost.org)\n",
  "id": "GHSA-9c9v-w225-v5rg",
  "modified": "2023-08-23T17:19:50Z",
  "published": "2023-08-15T20:35:20Z",
  "references": [
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "https://github.com/TryGhost/Ghost/security/advisories/GHSA-9c9v-w225-v5rg"
    },
    {
      "type": "ADVISORY",
      "url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2023-40028"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "https://github.com/TryGhost/Ghost/commit/690fbf3f7302ff3f77159c0795928bdd20f41205"
    },
    {
      "type": "PACKAGE",
      "url": "https://github.com/TryGhost/Ghost"
    }
  ],
  "schema_version": "1.4.0",
  "severity": [
    {
      "score": "CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:H/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:N/A:N",
      "type": "CVSS_V3"
    }
  ],
  "summary": "Ghost vulnerable to arbitrary file read via symlinks in content import"
}

Mitigation MIT-48.1
Architecture and Design

Strategy: Separation of Privilege

  • 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.
CAPEC-132: Symlink Attack

An adversary positions a symbolic link in such a manner that the targeted user or application accesses the link's endpoint, assuming that it is accessing a file with the link's name.

CAPEC-17: Using Malicious Files

An attack of this type exploits a system's configuration that allows an adversary to either directly access an executable file, for example through shell access; or in a possible worst case allows an adversary to upload a file and then execute it. Web servers, ftp servers, and message oriented middleware systems which have many integration points are particularly vulnerable, because both the programmers and the administrators must be in synch regarding the interfaces and the correct privileges for each interface.

CAPEC-35: Leverage Executable Code in Non-Executable Files

An attack of this type exploits a system's trust in configuration and resource files. When the executable loads the resource (such as an image file or configuration file) the attacker has modified the file to either execute malicious code directly or manipulate the target process (e.g. application server) to execute based on the malicious configuration parameters. Since systems are increasingly interrelated mashing up resources from local and remote sources the possibility of this attack occurring is high.

CAPEC-76: Manipulating Web Input to File System Calls

An attacker manipulates inputs to the target software which the target software passes to file system calls in the OS. The goal is to gain access to, and perhaps modify, areas of the file system that the target software did not intend to be accessible.