CWE-59
AllowedImproper 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.
1990 vulnerabilities reference this CWE, most recent first.
GHSA-J448-JQJ7-GH7X
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2024-05-14 18:30 – Updated: 2025-01-30 15:31An arbitrary file creation vulnerability exists in PaperCut NG/MF that only affects Windows servers with Web Print enabled. This vulnerability requires local login/console access to the PaperCut NG/MF server (eg: member of a domain admin group).
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2024-4712"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-59",
"CWE-77"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2024-05-14T15:44:27Z",
"severity": "MODERATE"
},
"details": "An arbitrary file creation vulnerability exists in PaperCut NG/MF that only affects Windows servers with Web Print enabled. This vulnerability requires local login/console access to the PaperCut NG/MF server (eg: member of a domain admin group).\n\n",
"id": "GHSA-j448-jqj7-gh7x",
"modified": "2025-01-30T15:31:36Z",
"published": "2024-05-14T18:30:56Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2024-4712"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.papercut.com/kb/Main/security-bulletin-may-2024"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [
{
"score": "CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:H/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:H/A:H",
"type": "CVSS_V3"
}
]
}
GHSA-J44M-QM6P-HP7M
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2019-05-01 18:37 – Updated: 2023-11-29 22:25Versions of tar prior to 4.4.2 for 4.x and 2.2.2 for 2.x are vulnerable to Arbitrary File Overwrite. Extracting tarballs containing a hardlink to a file that already exists in the system, and a file that matches the hardlink will overwrite the system's file with the contents of the extracted file.
Recommendation
For tar 4.x, upgrade to version 4.4.2 or later. For tar 2.x, upgrade to version 2.2.2 or later.
{
"affected": [
{
"package": {
"ecosystem": "npm",
"name": "tar"
},
"ranges": [
{
"events": [
{
"introduced": "3.0.0"
},
{
"fixed": "4.4.2"
}
],
"type": "ECOSYSTEM"
}
]
},
{
"package": {
"ecosystem": "npm",
"name": "tar"
},
"ranges": [
{
"events": [
{
"introduced": "0"
},
{
"fixed": "2.2.2"
}
],
"type": "ECOSYSTEM"
}
]
}
],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2018-20834"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-59"
],
"github_reviewed": true,
"github_reviewed_at": "2019-05-01T18:35:41Z",
"nvd_published_at": null,
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "Versions of `tar` prior to 4.4.2 for 4.x and 2.2.2 for 2.x are vulnerable to Arbitrary File Overwrite. Extracting tarballs containing a hardlink to a file that already exists in the system, and a file that matches the hardlink will overwrite the system\u0027s file with the contents of the extracted file.\n\n\n## Recommendation\n\nFor tar 4.x, upgrade to version 4.4.2 or later.\nFor tar 2.x, upgrade to version 2.2.2 or later.",
"id": "GHSA-j44m-qm6p-hp7m",
"modified": "2023-11-29T22:25:48Z",
"published": "2019-05-01T18:37:31Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2018-20834"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://github.com/npm/node-tar/commit/7ecef07da6a9e72cc0c4d0c9c6a8e85b6b52395d"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://github.com/npm/node-tar/commit/b0c58433c22f5e7fe8b1c76373f27e3f81dcd4c8"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://hackerone.com/reports/344595"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://access.redhat.com/errata/RHSA-2019:1821"
},
{
"type": "PACKAGE",
"url": "https://github.com/isaacs/node-tar"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://github.com/npm/node-tar/commits/v2.2.2"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://github.com/npm/node-tar/compare/58a8d43...a5f7779"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [
{
"score": "CVSS:3.0/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:H/A:N",
"type": "CVSS_V3"
}
],
"summary": "Arbitrary File Overwrite in tar"
}
GHSA-J48C-73W7-6R6P
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2022-05-17 05:52 – Updated: 2022-05-17 05:52impose in impose+ 0.2 allows local users to overwrite arbitrary files via a symlink attack on (1) /tmp/-tmp.ps and (2) /tmp/bboxx- temporary files.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2008-4960"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-59"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2008-11-05T15:00:00Z",
"severity": "MODERATE"
},
"details": "impose in impose+ 0.2 allows local users to overwrite arbitrary files via a symlink attack on (1) /tmp/*-tmp.ps and (2) /tmp/bboxx-* temporary files.",
"id": "GHSA-j48c-73w7-6r6p",
"modified": "2022-05-17T05:52:05Z",
"published": "2022-05-17T05:52:05Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2008-4960"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://bugs.gentoo.org/show_bug.cgi?id=235770"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://bugs.debian.org/496435"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://dev.gentoo.org/~rbu/security/debiantemp/impose+"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://uvw.ru/report.lenny.txt"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2008/10/30/2"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/30906"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": []
}
GHSA-J494-WRFM-4V9C
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2025-10-29 21:30 – Updated: 2025-10-29 21:30Razer Synapse 3 Macro Module Link Following Local Privilege Escalation Vulnerability. This vulnerability allows local attackers to escalate privileges on affected installations of Razer Synapse 3. An attacker must first obtain the ability to execute low-privileged code on the target system in order to exploit this vulnerability.
The specific flaw exists within the Razer Synapse Service. By creating a symbolic link, an attacker can abuse the service to delete arbitrary files. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to escalate privileges and execute arbitrary code in the context of SYSTEM. Was ZDI-CAN-26374.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2025-9869"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-59"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2025-10-29T20:15:36Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "Razer Synapse 3 Macro Module Link Following Local Privilege Escalation Vulnerability. This vulnerability allows local attackers to escalate privileges on affected installations of Razer Synapse 3. An attacker must first obtain the ability to execute low-privileged code on the target system in order to exploit this vulnerability.\n\nThe specific flaw exists within the Razer Synapse Service. By creating a symbolic link, an attacker can abuse the service to delete arbitrary files. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to escalate privileges and execute arbitrary code in the context of SYSTEM. Was ZDI-CAN-26374.",
"id": "GHSA-j494-wrfm-4v9c",
"modified": "2025-10-29T21:30:33Z",
"published": "2025-10-29T21:30:33Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2025-9869"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.zerodayinitiative.com/advisories/ZDI-25-919"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [
{
"score": "CVSS:3.0/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H",
"type": "CVSS_V3"
}
]
}
GHSA-J4VV-PJ3G-5523
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2022-05-24 19:05 – Updated: 2022-05-24 19:05It was discovered that read_file() in apport/hookutils.py would follow symbolic links or open FIFOs. When this function is used by the openjdk-13 package apport hooks, it could expose private data to other local users.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2021-32549"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-59"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2021-06-12T04:15:00Z",
"severity": "MODERATE"
},
"details": "It was discovered that read_file() in apport/hookutils.py would follow symbolic links or open FIFOs. When this function is used by the openjdk-13 package apport hooks, it could expose private data to other local users.",
"id": "GHSA-j4vv-pj3g-5523",
"modified": "2022-05-24T19:05:16Z",
"published": "2022-05-24T19:05:16Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2021-32549"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://bugs.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+source/apport/+bug/1917904"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": []
}
GHSA-J5J6-54XJ-X4JX
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2022-05-17 03:05 – Updated: 2025-04-12 12:34acinclude.m4, as used in the configure script in PHP 5.5.13 and earlier, allows local users to overwrite arbitrary files via a symlink attack on the /tmp/phpglibccheck file.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2014-3981"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-59"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2014-06-08T18:55:00Z",
"severity": "LOW"
},
"details": "acinclude.m4, as used in the configure script in PHP 5.5.13 and earlier, allows local users to overwrite arbitrary files via a symlink attack on the /tmp/phpglibccheck file.",
"id": "GHSA-j5j6-54xj-x4jx",
"modified": "2025-04-12T12:34:32Z",
"published": "2022-05-17T03:05:58Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2014-3981"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://bugs.php.net/bug.php?id=67390"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://bugzilla.redhat.com/show_bug.cgi?id=1104978"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://support.apple.com/HT204659"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://git.php.net/?p=php-src.git%3Ba=commit%3Bh=91bcadd85e20e50d3f8c2e9721327681640e6f16"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://git.php.net/?p=php-src.git;a=commit;h=91bcadd85e20e50d3f8c2e9721327681640e6f16"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://lists.apple.com/archives/security-announce/2015/Apr/msg00001.html"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://marc.info/?l=bugtraq\u0026m=141017844705317\u0026w=2"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://marc.info/?l=bugtraq\u0026m=141390017113542\u0026w=2"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2014/06/06/12"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2014/Jun/21"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://support.apple.com/kb/HT6443"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://www-01.ibm.com/support/docview.wss?uid=swg21683486"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://www.oracle.com/technetwork/topics/security/bulletinjan2015-2370101.html"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": []
}
GHSA-J5W9-PXVJ-FGQH
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2022-05-02 00:11 – Updated: 2022-05-02 00:11The (1) fence_apc and (2) fence_apc_snmp programs, as used in (a) fence 2.02.00-r1 and possibly (b) cman, when running in verbose mode, allows local users to append to arbitrary files via a symlink attack on the apclog temporary file.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2008-4579"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-59"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2008-10-15T20:08:00Z",
"severity": "LOW"
},
"details": "The (1) fence_apc and (2) fence_apc_snmp programs, as used in (a) fence 2.02.00-r1 and possibly (b) cman, when running in verbose mode, allows local users to append to arbitrary files via a symlink attack on the apclog temporary file.",
"id": "GHSA-j5w9-pxvj-fgqh",
"modified": "2022-05-02T00:11:22Z",
"published": "2022-05-02T00:11:22Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2008-4579"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://access.redhat.com/errata/RHSA-2009:1341"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://access.redhat.com/errata/RHSA-2011:0266"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://access.redhat.com/security/cve/CVE-2008-4579"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://bugzilla.redhat.com/show_bug.cgi?id=467386"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://oval.cisecurity.org/repository/search/definition/oval%3Aorg.mitre.oval%3Adef%3A10799"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.redhat.com/archives/fedora-package-announce/2008-October/msg00666.html"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://bugs.gentoo.org/show_bug.cgi?id=240576"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://secunia.com/advisories/32387"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://secunia.com/advisories/32390"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://secunia.com/advisories/36530"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://secunia.com/advisories/43362"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2008/10/13/3"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://www.redhat.com/support/errata/RHSA-2009-1341.html"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://www.redhat.com/support/errata/RHSA-2011-0266.html"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/31904"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://www.ubuntu.com/usn/USN-875-1"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://www.vupen.com/english/advisories/2011/0419"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": []
}
GHSA-J642-2QGG-V4WQ
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2022-05-17 05:04 – Updated: 2022-05-17 05:04GNOME Display Manager (gdm) before 2.21.1 allows local users to change permissions of arbitrary directories via a symlink attack on /tmp/.X11-unix/.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2013-4169"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-59"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2013-09-10T19:55:00Z",
"severity": "MODERATE"
},
"details": "GNOME Display Manager (gdm) before 2.21.1 allows local users to change permissions of arbitrary directories via a symlink attack on /tmp/.X11-unix/.",
"id": "GHSA-j642-2qgg-v4wq",
"modified": "2022-05-17T05:04:53Z",
"published": "2022-05-17T05:04:53Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2013-4169"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://bugzilla.redhat.com/bugzilla/show_bug.cgi?id=988498"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://rhn.redhat.com/errata/RHSA-2013-1213.html"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://secunia.com/advisories/54661"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": []
}
GHSA-J67W-GXCM-23R4
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2024-11-22 21:32 – Updated: 2024-11-22 21:32G DATA Total Security Link Following Local Privilege Escalation Vulnerability. This vulnerability allows local attackers to escalate privileges on affected installations of G DATA Total Security. An attacker must first obtain the ability to execute low-privileged code on the target system in order to exploit this vulnerability.
The specific flaw exists within the G DATA Backup Service. By creating a symbolic link, an attacker can abuse the service to delete a file. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to escalate privileges and execute arbitrary code in the context of SYSTEM. Was ZDI-CAN-22312.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2024-1867"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-59"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2024-11-22T20:15:08Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "G DATA Total Security Link Following Local Privilege Escalation Vulnerability. This vulnerability allows local attackers to escalate privileges on affected installations of G DATA Total Security. An attacker must first obtain the ability to execute low-privileged code on the target system in order to exploit this vulnerability.\n\nThe specific flaw exists within the G DATA Backup Service. By creating a symbolic link, an attacker can abuse the service to delete a file. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to escalate privileges and execute arbitrary code in the context of SYSTEM. Was ZDI-CAN-22312.",
"id": "GHSA-j67w-gxcm-23r4",
"modified": "2024-11-22T21:32:16Z",
"published": "2024-11-22T21:32:16Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2024-1867"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.zerodayinitiative.com/advisories/ZDI-24-559"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [
{
"score": "CVSS:3.0/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H",
"type": "CVSS_V3"
}
]
}
GHSA-J6FM-HJR6-8QH9
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2022-05-17 01:18 – Updated: 2022-05-17 01:18The runtime linker in QNX Neutrino RTOS 6.5.0 before Service Pack 1 does not properly clear the LD_DEBUG_OUTPUT and LD_DEBUG environment variables when a program is spawned from a setuid program, which allows local users to overwrite files via a symlink attack.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2011-4060"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-59"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2011-10-18T01:55:00Z",
"severity": "LOW"
},
"details": "The runtime linker in QNX Neutrino RTOS 6.5.0 before Service Pack 1 does not properly clear the LD_DEBUG_OUTPUT and LD_DEBUG environment variables when a program is spawned from a setuid program, which allows local users to overwrite files via a symlink attack.",
"id": "GHSA-j6fm-hjr6-8qh9",
"modified": "2022-05-17T01:18:40Z",
"published": "2022-05-17T01:18:40Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2011-4060"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://securityreason.com/securityalert/8475"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://www.nth-dimension.org.uk/pub/NDSA20110310.txt.asc"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://www.osvdb.org/71784"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://www.qnx.com/developers/articles/rel_5189_46.html"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://www.qnx.com/developers/docs/6.5.0_sp1/index.jsp?topic=%2Fcom.qnx.doc.momentics_release_notes%2Frel_6.5.0_SP1.html"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://www.securityfocus.com/archive/1/516958"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://www.securityfocus.com/archive/1/518659"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/46838"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": []
}
Mitigation MIT-48.1
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.