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CVE-2001-0059: Solaris allows local users to overwrite any file

CVE-2001-0059 · published 25 years ago

Summary

On Solaris, the patchadd utility can be misled by a symbolic link, enabling anyone with local access to replace arbitrary files. This could let an attacker alter system components or install unwanted software. Apply the latest Solaris updates and limit patchadd usage to trusted administrators.

What to do

The CVE record does not list a fixed version. Check the vendor's site or the advisory links below - a fix may already be released.

Affected software

Vendor	Product	Affected versions
sun	sunos	5.7 `cpe:2.3:o:sun:sunos:5.7:::::::*`

Original advisory text

patchadd in Solaris allows local users to overwrite arbitrary files via a symlink attack.

References

Fix within

Internet-facing 14 days

Internal At next upgrade

Not known to be exploited
Needs hands-on effort to exploit (estimated)
Gives an attacker full control (estimated)

Severity

6.2 Medium

Exploitation

<1% chance of attack within 30 days

Timeline

Published12 Feb 2001

Updated4 Nov 2026

First seen29 Sep 2026

Sources

CVE-2001-0059 · NVD

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