Common Weakness Enumeration
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.
1992 vulnerabilities reference this CWE, most recent first.
GHSA-43HG-R8GJ-3MP9
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2022-05-13 01:38 – Updated: 2022-05-13 01:38
VLAI
Details
Qemu before version 2.9 is vulnerable to an improper link following when built with the VirtFS. A privileged user inside guest could use this flaw to access host file system beyond the shared folder and potentially escalating their privileges on a host.
Severity
8.8 (High)
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2016-9602"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-59"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2018-04-26T19:29:00Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "Qemu before version 2.9 is vulnerable to an improper link following when built with the VirtFS. A privileged user inside guest could use this flaw to access host file system beyond the shared folder and potentially escalating their privileges on a host.",
"id": "GHSA-43hg-r8gj-3mp9",
"modified": "2022-05-13T01:38:27Z",
"published": "2022-05-13T01:38:27Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2016-9602"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://bugzilla.redhat.com/show_bug.cgi?id=CVE-2016-9602"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://lists.debian.org/debian-lts-announce/2018/09/msg00007.html"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://lists.gnu.org/archive/html/qemu-devel/2017-01/msg06225.html"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://lists.gnu.org/archive/html/qemu-devel/2017-02/msg04347.html"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://security.gentoo.org/glsa/201704-01"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2017/01/17/12"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/95461"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://www.securitytracker.com/id/1037604"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [
{
"score": "CVSS:3.0/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H",
"type": "CVSS_V3"
}
]
}
GHSA-43JF-FXQP-3QF7
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2022-05-13 01:23 – Updated: 2022-05-13 01:23
VLAI
Details
The LockServer function in os/utils.c in X.Org xserver before 1.11.2 allows local users to determine the existence of arbitrary files via a symlink attack on a temporary lock file, which is handled differently if the file exists.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2011-4028"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-59"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2012-07-03T19:55:00Z",
"severity": "LOW"
},
"details": "The LockServer function in os/utils.c in X.Org xserver before 1.11.2 allows local users to determine the existence of arbitrary files via a symlink attack on a temporary lock file, which is handled differently if the file exists.",
"id": "GHSA-43jf-fxqp-3qf7",
"modified": "2022-05-13T01:23:08Z",
"published": "2022-05-13T01:23:08Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2011-4028"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://cgit.freedesktop.org/xorg/xserver/commit/?id=6ba44b91e37622ef8c146d8f2ac92d708a18ed34"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://lists.freedesktop.org/archives/xorg/2011-October/053680.html"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://rhn.redhat.com/errata/RHSA-2012-0939.html"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://secunia.com/advisories/46460"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://secunia.com/advisories/49579"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": []
}
GHSA-442G-3X58-F2RV
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2022-05-01 23:32 – Updated: 2022-05-01 23:32
VLAI
Details
The init script for Apache Geronimo on SUSE Linux follows symlinks when performing a chown operation, which might allow local users to obtain access to unspecified files or directories.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2008-0732"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-59"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2008-02-12T21:00:00Z",
"severity": "LOW"
},
"details": "The init script for Apache Geronimo on SUSE Linux follows symlinks when performing a chown operation, which might allow local users to obtain access to unspecified files or directories.",
"id": "GHSA-442g-3x58-f2rv",
"modified": "2022-05-01T23:32:39Z",
"published": "2022-05-01T23:32:39Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2008-0732"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://lists.opensuse.org/opensuse-security-announce/2008-02/msg00003.html"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://secunia.com/advisories/28838"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": []
}
GHSA-44R2-3246-R77P
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2025-07-30 18:31 – Updated: 2025-07-30 18:31
VLAI
Details
Dell Encryption and Dell Security Management Server, versions prior to 11.11.0, contain an Improper Link Resolution Before File Access ('Link Following') Vulnerability. A local malicious user could potentially exploit this vulnerability, leading to privilege escalation.
Severity
7.3 (High)
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2025-36611"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-59"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2025-07-30T17:15:27Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "Dell Encryption and Dell Security Management Server, versions prior to 11.11.0, contain an Improper Link Resolution Before File Access (\u0027Link Following\u0027) Vulnerability. A local malicious user could potentially exploit this vulnerability, leading to privilege escalation.",
"id": "GHSA-44r2-3246-r77p",
"modified": "2025-07-30T18:31:36Z",
"published": "2025-07-30T18:31:36Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2025-36611"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.dell.com/support/kbdoc/en-us/000347824/dsa-2025-292"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [
{
"score": "CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H",
"type": "CVSS_V3"
}
]
}
GHSA-44R9-882W-XW5M
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2022-05-13 01:18 – Updated: 2022-05-13 01:18
VLAI
Details
In Perl through 5.26.2, the Archive::Tar module allows remote attackers to bypass a directory-traversal protection mechanism, and overwrite arbitrary files, via an archive file containing a symlink and a regular file with the same name.
Severity
7.5 (High)
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2018-12015"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-59"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2018-06-07T13:29:00Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "In Perl through 5.26.2, the Archive::Tar module allows remote attackers to bypass a directory-traversal protection mechanism, and overwrite arbitrary files, via an archive file containing a symlink and a regular file with the same name.",
"id": "GHSA-44r9-882w-xw5m",
"modified": "2022-05-13T01:18:58Z",
"published": "2022-05-13T01:18:58Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2018-12015"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://access.redhat.com/errata/RHSA-2019:2097"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://bugs.debian.org/cgi-bin/bugreport.cgi?bug=900834"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://seclists.org/bugtraq/2019/Mar/42"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://security.netapp.com/advisory/ntap-20180927-0001"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://support.apple.com/kb/HT209600"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://usn.ubuntu.com/3684-1"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://usn.ubuntu.com/3684-2"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.debian.org/security/2018/dsa-4226"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.oracle.com/security-alerts/cpujul2020.html"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2019/Mar/49"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/104423"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://www.securitytracker.com/id/1041048"
}
],
"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"
}
]
}
GHSA-459J-JHFX-FMJ6
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2023-04-11 03:31 – Updated: 2023-04-14 18:30
VLAI
Details
Wacom Driver 6.3.46-1 for Windows and lower was discovered to contain an arbitrary file deletion vulnerability.
Severity
7.3 (High)
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2022-38604"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-59"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2023-04-11T01:15:00Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "Wacom Driver 6.3.46-1 for Windows and lower was discovered to contain an arbitrary file deletion vulnerability.",
"id": "GHSA-459j-jhfx-fmj6",
"modified": "2023-04-14T18:30:18Z",
"published": "2023-04-11T03:31:20Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2022-38604"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://github.com/LucaBarile/CVE-2022-38604"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://lucabarile.github.io/Blog/CVE-2022-38604/index.html"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://lucabarile.github.io/Blog/blog.html"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [
{
"score": "CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H",
"type": "CVSS_V3"
}
]
}
GHSA-45CJ-CPR6-W4FH
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2026-01-29 21:30 – Updated: 2026-03-09 18:31
VLAI
Details
Improper link resolution in USB HTTP access path in VX800v v1.0 allows a crafted USB device to expose root filesystem contents, giving an attacker with physical access read‑only access to system files.
Severity
4.6 (Medium)
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2025-15543"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-59"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2026-01-29T19:16:11Z",
"severity": "MODERATE"
},
"details": "Improper link resolution in USB HTTP access path in VX800v v1.0 allows a crafted USB device to expose root filesystem contents, giving an attacker with physical access read\u2011only access to system files.",
"id": "GHSA-45cj-cpr6-w4fh",
"modified": "2026-03-09T18:31:36Z",
"published": "2026-01-29T21:30:30Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2025-15543"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.tp-link.com/de/support/download/vx800v/#Firmware"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.tp-link.com/us/support/faq/4930"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [
{
"score": "CVSS:3.1/AV:P/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:N/A:N",
"type": "CVSS_V3"
},
{
"score": "CVSS:4.0/AV:P/AC:L/AT:N/PR:N/UI:N/VC:H/VI:N/VA:N/SC:N/SI:N/SA:N/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-45MC-HH26-869M
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2022-05-02 03:29 – Updated: 2022-05-02 03:29
VLAI
Details
The configtest function in the Red Hat dhcpd init script for DHCP 3.0.1 in Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) 3 allows local users to overwrite arbitrary files via a symlink attack on an unspecified temporary file, related to the "dhcpd -t" command.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2009-1893"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-59"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2009-07-17T16:30:00Z",
"severity": "MODERATE"
},
"details": "The configtest function in the Red Hat dhcpd init script for DHCP 3.0.1 in Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) 3 allows local users to overwrite arbitrary files via a symlink attack on an unspecified temporary file, related to the \"dhcpd -t\" command.",
"id": "GHSA-45mc-hh26-869m",
"modified": "2022-05-02T03:29:37Z",
"published": "2022-05-02T03:29:37Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2009-1893"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://access.redhat.com/errata/RHSA-2009:1154"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://access.redhat.com/security/cve/CVE-2009-1893"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://bugzilla.redhat.com/show_bug.cgi?id=510024"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://exchange.xforce.ibmcloud.com/vulnerabilities/51718"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://oval.cisecurity.org/repository/search/definition/oval%3Aorg.mitre.oval%3Adef%3A11597"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://oval.cisecurity.org/repository/search/definition/oval%3Aorg.mitre.oval%3Adef%3A6440"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://secunia.com/advisories/35831"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://securitytracker.com/id?1022554"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://www.redhat.com/support/errata/RHSA-2009-1154.html"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/35670"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": []
}
GHSA-45Q7-7MRV-F7JR
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2022-05-17 01:41 – Updated: 2022-05-17 01:41
VLAI
Details
openCryptoki 2.4.1 allows local users to create or set world-writable permissions on arbitrary files via a symlink attack on the (1) LCK..opencryptoki or (2) LCK..opencryptoki_stdll file in /var/lock/.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2012-4455"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-59"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2012-10-10T18:55:00Z",
"severity": "MODERATE"
},
"details": "openCryptoki 2.4.1 allows local users to create or set world-writable permissions on arbitrary files via a symlink attack on the (1) LCK..opencryptoki or (2) LCK..opencryptoki_stdll file in /var/lock/.",
"id": "GHSA-45q7-7mrv-f7jr",
"modified": "2022-05-17T01:41:59Z",
"published": "2022-05-17T01:41:59Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2012-4455"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://bugzilla.redhat.com/show_bug.cgi?id=730636"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://exchange.xforce.ibmcloud.com/vulnerabilities/78943"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://opencryptoki.git.sourceforge.net/git/gitweb.cgi?p=opencryptoki/opencryptoki%3Ba=commitdiff%3Bh=5667edb52cd27b7e512f48f823b4bcc6b872ab15"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://opencryptoki.git.sourceforge.net/git/gitweb.cgi?p=opencryptoki/opencryptoki;a=commitdiff;h=5667edb52cd27b7e512f48f823b4bcc6b872ab15"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://secunia.com/advisories/50702"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://sourceforge.net/mailarchive/message.php?msg_id=29191022"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2012/09/07/2"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2012/09/07/6"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2012/09/09/2"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2012/09/20/6"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2012/09/25/5"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2012/09/27/2"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/55627"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": []
}
GHSA-45WV-GC6W-FQ7M
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2022-05-17 05:30 – Updated: 2025-04-11 03:44
VLAI
Details
The FileUtils.remove_entry_secure method in Ruby 1.8.6 through 1.8.6-420, 1.8.7 through 1.8.7-330, 1.8.8dev, 1.9.1 through 1.9.1-430, 1.9.2 through 1.9.2-136, and 1.9.3dev allows local users to delete arbitrary files via a symlink attack.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2011-1004"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-59"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2011-03-02T20:00:00Z",
"severity": "MODERATE"
},
"details": "The FileUtils.remove_entry_secure method in Ruby 1.8.6 through 1.8.6-420, 1.8.7 through 1.8.7-330, 1.8.8dev, 1.9.1 through 1.9.1-430, 1.9.2 through 1.9.2-136, and 1.9.3dev allows local users to delete arbitrary files via a symlink attack.",
"id": "GHSA-45wv-gc6w-fq7m",
"modified": "2025-04-11T03:44:58Z",
"published": "2022-05-17T05:30:37Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2011-1004"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://bugzilla.redhat.com/show_bug.cgi?id=678913"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://lists.apple.com/archives/security-announce/2012/May/msg00001.html"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://lists.fedoraproject.org/pipermail/package-announce/2011-March/054422.html"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://lists.fedoraproject.org/pipermail/package-announce/2011-March/054436.html"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://osvdb.org/70958"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://secunia.com/advisories/43434"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://secunia.com/advisories/43573"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://support.apple.com/kb/HT5281"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://www.mandriva.com/security/advisories?name=MDVSA-2011:097"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2011/02/21/2"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2011/02/21/5"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://www.redhat.com/support/errata/RHSA-2011-0909.html"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://www.redhat.com/support/errata/RHSA-2011-0910.html"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://www.ruby-lang.org/en/news/2011/02/18/fileutils-is-vulnerable-to-symlink-race-attacks"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/46460"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://www.vupen.com/english/advisories/2011/0539"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": []
}
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.