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2.1

xscreensaver allows local users to replace any file

CVE-2003-1294 · published 22 years ago
Summary

Older versions of xscreensaver (before version 4.15) create temporary files in several places without protecting them. A local user could trick the program into writing over any file on the system by using a symbolic link. Upgrade to xscreensaver 4.15 or later, or apply the vendor’s recommended patch, to stop this from happening.

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
VendorProductAffected versions
xscreensaver xscreensaver 4.05_5cl
4.05_6
4.05_6a
4.05_150
4.07_2
4.08_29135cl
4.09_0
4.10_4
4.10_6
4.10_8
4.10_15
4.11_0
6 more version ranges
cpe:2.3:a:xscreensaver:xscreensaver:4.05_5cl:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
Original advisory text
Xscreensaver before 4.15 creates temporary files insecurely in (1) driver/passwd-kerberos.c, (2) driver/xscreensaver-getimage-video, (3) driver/xscreensaver.kss.in, and the (4) vidwhacker and (5) w...
Xscreensaver before 4.15 creates temporary files insecurely in (1) driver/passwd-kerberos.c, (2) driver/xscreensaver-getimage-video, (3) driver/xscreensaver.kss.in, and the (4) vidwhacker and (5) webcollage screensavers, which allows local users to overwrite arbitrary files via a symlink attack.
References
Fix within
Internet-facing 60 days
Internal At next upgrade
  • Not known to be exploited
  • Needs hands-on effort to exploit (estimated)
  • Gives an attacker partial control (estimated)
Severity
2.1 Low
Exploitation
<1% chance of attack within 30 days
Timeline
Published31 Dec 2003
Updated4 Nov 2026
First seen29 Sep 2026
Sources
CVE-2003-1294 · NVD
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