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CVE-2004-2097: SuSE Linux 9.0 scripts let local users overwrite files

CVE-2004-2097 · published 21 years ago

Summary

On SuSE Linux 9.0 several helper scripts can be tricked by a user on the same machine to replace any file they choose. By creating a special link (symlink) to a target file, the script writes over it when it runs, potentially corrupting system or application data. Apply the latest patches from SuSE or restrict execution of these scripts to trusted users to stop the issue.

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
suse	suse_linux	9.0 `cpe:2.3:o:suse:suse_linux:9.0:::::::*`

Original advisory text

Multiple scripts on SuSE Linux 9.0 allow local users to overwrite arbitrary files via a symlink attack on (1) /tmp/fvwm-bug created by fvwm-bug, (2) /tmp/wmmenu created by wm-oldmenu2new, (3) /tmp/rates created by x11perfcomp, (4) /tmp/xf86debug.1.log created by xf86debug, (5) /tmp/.winpopup-new created by winpopup-send.sh, or (6) /tmp/initrd created by lvmcreate_initrd.

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 2004

Updated4 Nov 2026

First seen29 Sep 2026

Sources

CVE-2004-2097 · NVD

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