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6.9

Openswan Linux patch 2.4.12 lets local user replace any file

CVE-2008-4966 · published 18 years ago
Summary

On systems running Openswan version 2.4.12, a regular user can create a special link that tricks the software into writing over arbitrary files in the system. This could be used to change configuration or other important files. Update to a newer version or limit who can write to the /tmp directory to protect your environment.

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
openswan linux-patch-openswan 2.4.12
cpe:2.3:a:openswan:linux-patch-openswan:2.4.12:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
Original advisory text
linux-patch-openswan 2.4.12 allows local users to overwrite arbitrary files via a symlink attack on (a) /tmp/snap##### and (b) /tmp/nightly##### temporary files, related to the (1) maysnap and (2) ...
linux-patch-openswan 2.4.12 allows local users to overwrite arbitrary files via a symlink attack on (a) /tmp/snap##### and (b) /tmp/nightly##### temporary files, related to the (1) maysnap and (2) maytest scripts.
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
6.9 Medium
Exploitation
<1% chance of attack within 30 days
Type
CWE-59Link Following
Timeline
Published6 Nov 2008
Updated4 Nov 2026
First seen29 Sep 2026
Sources
CVE-2008-4966 · NVD
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