Common Weakness Enumeration

CWE-59

Allowed

Improper 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.

1984 vulnerabilities reference this CWE, most recent first.

GHSA-RQF6-6P8F-F2PV

Vulnerability from github – Published: 2024-12-30 18:30 – Updated: 2024-12-30 18:30
VLAI
Details

AnyDesk Link Following Information Disclosure Vulnerability. This vulnerability allows local attackers to disclose sensitive information on affected installations of AnyDesk. An attacker must first obtain the ability to execute low-privileged code on the target system in order to exploit this vulnerability.

The specific flaw exists within the handling of background images. By creating a junction, an attacker can abuse the service to read arbitrary files. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to disclose stored credentials, leading to further compromise. Was ZDI-CAN-23940.

Show details on source website

{
  "affected": [],
  "aliases": [
    "CVE-2024-12754"
  ],
  "database_specific": {
    "cwe_ids": [
      "CWE-59"
    ],
    "github_reviewed": false,
    "github_reviewed_at": null,
    "nvd_published_at": "2024-12-30T17:15:07Z",
    "severity": "MODERATE"
  },
  "details": "AnyDesk Link Following Information Disclosure Vulnerability. This vulnerability allows local attackers to disclose sensitive information on affected installations of AnyDesk. An attacker must first obtain the ability to execute low-privileged code on the target system in order to exploit this vulnerability.\n\nThe specific flaw exists within the handling of background images. By creating a junction, an attacker can abuse the service to read arbitrary files. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to disclose stored credentials, leading to further compromise. Was ZDI-CAN-23940.",
  "id": "GHSA-rqf6-6p8f-f2pv",
  "modified": "2024-12-30T18:30:41Z",
  "published": "2024-12-30T18:30:41Z",
  "references": [
    {
      "type": "ADVISORY",
      "url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2024-12754"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "https://www.zerodayinitiative.com/advisories/ZDI-24-1711"
    }
  ],
  "schema_version": "1.4.0",
  "severity": [
    {
      "score": "CVSS:3.0/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:N/A:N",
      "type": "CVSS_V3"
    }
  ]
}

GHSA-RQGW-VH6P-QF7J

Vulnerability from github – Published: 2022-05-13 01:38 – Updated: 2022-05-13 01:38
VLAI
Details

In Kubernetes versions 1.3.x, 1.4.x, 1.5.x, 1.6.x and prior to versions 1.7.14, 1.8.9 and 1.9.4 containers using subpath volume mounts with any volume type (including non-privileged pods, subject to file permissions) can access files/directories outside of the volume, including the host's filesystem.

Show details on source website

{
  "affected": [],
  "aliases": [
    "CVE-2017-1002101"
  ],
  "database_specific": {
    "cwe_ids": [
      "CWE-59"
    ],
    "github_reviewed": false,
    "github_reviewed_at": null,
    "nvd_published_at": "2018-03-13T17:29:00Z",
    "severity": "CRITICAL"
  },
  "details": "In Kubernetes versions 1.3.x, 1.4.x, 1.5.x, 1.6.x and prior to versions 1.7.14, 1.8.9 and 1.9.4 containers using subpath volume mounts with any volume type (including non-privileged pods, subject to file permissions) can access files/directories outside of the volume, including the host\u0027s filesystem.",
  "id": "GHSA-rqgw-vh6p-qf7j",
  "modified": "2022-05-13T01:38:23Z",
  "published": "2022-05-13T01:38:23Z",
  "references": [
    {
      "type": "ADVISORY",
      "url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2017-1002101"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "https://github.com/kubernetes/kubernetes/issues/60813"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "https://access.redhat.com/errata/RHSA-2018:0475"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "https://github.com/bgeesaman/subpath-exploit"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "http://lists.opensuse.org/opensuse-security-announce/2020-04/msg00041.html"
    }
  ],
  "schema_version": "1.4.0",
  "severity": [
    {
      "score": "CVSS:3.0/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:N",
      "type": "CVSS_V3"
    }
  ]
}

GHSA-RR4P-M9J4-P7CX

Vulnerability from github – Published: 2023-06-23 12:30 – Updated: 2024-04-04 05:06
VLAI
Details

Dell Command | Update, Dell Update, and Alienware Update versions 4.9.0, A01 and prior contain an Insecure Operation on Windows Junction / Mount Point vulnerability. A local malicious user could potentially exploit this vulnerability to create arbitrary folder leading to permanent Denial of Service (DOS).

Show details on source website

{
  "affected": [],
  "aliases": [
    "CVE-2023-28071"
  ],
  "database_specific": {
    "cwe_ids": [
      "CWE-1386",
      "CWE-59"
    ],
    "github_reviewed": false,
    "github_reviewed_at": null,
    "nvd_published_at": "2023-06-23T11:15:09Z",
    "severity": "HIGH"
  },
  "details": "\nDell Command | Update, Dell Update, and Alienware Update versions 4.9.0, A01 and prior contain an Insecure Operation on Windows Junction / Mount Point vulnerability. A local malicious user could potentially exploit this vulnerability to create arbitrary folder leading to permanent Denial of Service (DOS).\n\n",
  "id": "GHSA-rr4p-m9j4-p7cx",
  "modified": "2024-04-04T05:06:27Z",
  "published": "2023-06-23T12:30:18Z",
  "references": [
    {
      "type": "ADVISORY",
      "url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2023-28071"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "https://www.dell.com/support/kbdoc/en-us/000213546/dsa-2023-170-dell-command-update"
    }
  ],
  "schema_version": "1.4.0",
  "severity": [
    {
      "score": "CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:H/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:H/A:H",
      "type": "CVSS_V3"
    }
  ]
}

GHSA-RR52-WG7F-8875

Vulnerability from github – Published: 2022-05-14 02:09 – Updated: 2024-09-30 16:47
VLAI
Summary
Improper Link Resolution Before File Access in logilab-commons
Details

The (1) extract_keys_from_pdf and (2) fill_pdf functions in pdf_ext.py in logilab-common before 0.61.0 allows local users to overwrite arbitrary files and possibly have other unspecified impact via a symlink attack on /tmp/toto.fdf.

Show details on source website

{
  "affected": [
    {
      "package": {
        "ecosystem": "PyPI",
        "name": "logilab-common"
      },
      "ranges": [
        {
          "events": [
            {
              "introduced": "0"
            },
            {
              "fixed": "0.61.0"
            }
          ],
          "type": "ECOSYSTEM"
        }
      ]
    }
  ],
  "aliases": [
    "CVE-2014-1838"
  ],
  "database_specific": {
    "cwe_ids": [
      "CWE-59"
    ],
    "github_reviewed": true,
    "github_reviewed_at": "2022-07-07T22:48:36Z",
    "nvd_published_at": "2014-03-11T19:37:00Z",
    "severity": "HIGH"
  },
  "details": "The (1) extract_keys_from_pdf and (2) fill_pdf functions in pdf_ext.py in logilab-common before 0.61.0 allows local users to overwrite arbitrary files and possibly have other unspecified impact via a symlink attack on /tmp/toto.fdf.",
  "id": "GHSA-rr52-wg7f-8875",
  "modified": "2024-09-30T16:47:58Z",
  "published": "2022-05-14T02:09:22Z",
  "references": [
    {
      "type": "ADVISORY",
      "url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2014-1838"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "https://bugs.debian.org/cgi-bin/bugreport.cgi?bug=737051"
    },
    {
      "type": "ADVISORY",
      "url": "https://github.com/advisories/GHSA-rr52-wg7f-8875"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "https://github.com/pypa/advisory-database/tree/main/vulns/logilab-common/PYSEC-2014-83.yaml"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "http://comments.gmane.org/gmane.comp.security.oss.general/11986"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "http://lists.opensuse.org/opensuse-updates/2014-02/msg00085.html"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "http://www.logilab.org/ticket/207561"
    }
  ],
  "schema_version": "1.4.0",
  "severity": [
    {
      "score": "CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:L/I:L/A:L",
      "type": "CVSS_V3"
    },
    {
      "score": "CVSS:4.0/AV:N/AC:L/AT:N/PR:N/UI:N/VC:N/VI:N/VA:H/SC:N/SI:N/SA:N",
      "type": "CVSS_V4"
    }
  ],
  "summary": "Improper Link Resolution Before File Access in logilab-commons"
}

GHSA-RR93-4FJX-8J39

Vulnerability from github – Published: 2022-05-14 02:38 – Updated: 2022-05-14 02:38
VLAI
Details

ViArt Shop (aka Shopping Cart) 3.5 allows remote attackers to obtain sensitive information via a URL in the POST_DATA parameter to manuals_search.php, which reveals the installation path in an error message.

Show details on source website

{
  "affected": [],
  "aliases": [
    "CVE-2008-6759"
  ],
  "database_specific": {
    "cwe_ids": [
      "CWE-59"
    ],
    "github_reviewed": false,
    "github_reviewed_at": null,
    "nvd_published_at": "2009-04-28T16:30:00Z",
    "severity": "MODERATE"
  },
  "details": "ViArt Shop (aka Shopping Cart) 3.5 allows remote attackers to obtain sensitive information via a URL in the POST_DATA parameter to manuals_search.php, which reveals the installation path in an error message.",
  "id": "GHSA-rr93-4fjx-8j39",
  "modified": "2022-05-14T02:38:21Z",
  "published": "2022-05-14T02:38:21Z",
  "references": [
    {
      "type": "ADVISORY",
      "url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2008-6759"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "http://www.osvdb.org/53281"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "http://www.securityfocus.com/archive/1/499625/100/0/threaded"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/33043"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "http://www.securitytracker.com/id?1021497"
    }
  ],
  "schema_version": "1.4.0",
  "severity": []
}

GHSA-RVMJ-PG73-4RVJ

Vulnerability from github – Published: 2022-05-17 05:25 – Updated: 2022-05-17 05:25
VLAI
Details

The errorExitIfAttackViaString function in Tunnelblick 3.3beta20 and earlier allows local users to delete arbitrary files by constructing a (1) symlink or (2) hard link, a different vulnerability than CVE-2012-3485.

Show details on source website

{
  "affected": [],
  "aliases": [
    "CVE-2012-4676"
  ],
  "database_specific": {
    "cwe_ids": [
      "CWE-59"
    ],
    "github_reviewed": false,
    "github_reviewed_at": null,
    "nvd_published_at": "2012-08-26T19:55:00Z",
    "severity": "LOW"
  },
  "details": "The errorExitIfAttackViaString function in Tunnelblick 3.3beta20 and earlier allows local users to delete arbitrary files by constructing a (1) symlink or (2) hard link, a different vulnerability than CVE-2012-3485.",
  "id": "GHSA-rvmj-pg73-4rvj",
  "modified": "2022-05-17T05:25:07Z",
  "published": "2022-05-17T05:25:07Z",
  "references": [
    {
      "type": "ADVISORY",
      "url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2012-4676"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "http://archives.neohapsis.com/archives/fulldisclosure/2012-08/0122.html"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "http://code.google.com/p/tunnelblick/issues/detail?id=212"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2012/08/14/1"
    }
  ],
  "schema_version": "1.4.0",
  "severity": []
}

GHSA-RVP7-W75Q-9FV2

Vulnerability from github – Published: 2026-06-18 15:04 – Updated: 2026-06-18 15:04
VLAI
Summary
BBOT: Symlink-Following Arbitrary Write via github_workflows Module
Details

The github_workflows module constructs local directory paths from user-controlled repository names without validating for symlinks. A local attacker sharing the scan directory can plant a symlink at the predictable output path, causing workflow data to be written to an attacker-chosen location.

Show details on source website

{
  "affected": [
    {
      "database_specific": {
        "last_known_affected_version_range": "\u003c= 2.8.4"
      },
      "package": {
        "ecosystem": "PyPI",
        "name": "bbot"
      },
      "ranges": [
        {
          "events": [
            {
              "introduced": "2.0.0"
            },
            {
              "fixed": "2.8.5"
            }
          ],
          "type": "ECOSYSTEM"
        }
      ]
    }
  ],
  "aliases": [
    "CVE-2026-12567"
  ],
  "database_specific": {
    "cwe_ids": [
      "CWE-22",
      "CWE-59"
    ],
    "github_reviewed": true,
    "github_reviewed_at": "2026-06-18T15:04:00Z",
    "nvd_published_at": "2026-06-17T23:17:03Z",
    "severity": "LOW"
  },
  "details": "The `github_workflows` module constructs local directory paths from user-controlled repository names without validating for symlinks. A local attacker sharing the scan directory can plant a symlink at the predictable output path, causing workflow data to be written to an attacker-chosen location.",
  "id": "GHSA-rvp7-w75q-9fv2",
  "modified": "2026-06-18T15:04:00Z",
  "published": "2026-06-18T15:04:00Z",
  "references": [
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "https://github.com/blacklanternsecurity/bbot/security/advisories/GHSA-rvp7-w75q-9fv2"
    },
    {
      "type": "ADVISORY",
      "url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-12567"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "https://github.com/blacklanternsecurity/bbot/commit/16d9c42b6"
    },
    {
      "type": "PACKAGE",
      "url": "https://github.com/blacklanternsecurity/bbot"
    }
  ],
  "schema_version": "1.4.0",
  "severity": [
    {
      "score": "CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:H/PR:L/UI:R/S:U/C:N/I:L/A:N",
      "type": "CVSS_V3"
    }
  ],
  "summary": "BBOT: Symlink-Following Arbitrary Write via github_workflows Module"
}

GHSA-RWP9-W3RX-VF92

Vulnerability from github – Published: 2022-04-30 18:12 – Updated: 2024-01-26 18:30
VLAI
Details

Perl 5.004_04 and earlier follows symbolic links when running with the -e option, which allows local users to overwrite arbitrary files via a symlink attack on the /tmp/perl-eaXXXXX file.

Show details on source website

{
  "affected": [],
  "aliases": [
    "CVE-1999-1386"
  ],
  "database_specific": {
    "cwe_ids": [
      "CWE-59"
    ],
    "github_reviewed": false,
    "github_reviewed_at": null,
    "nvd_published_at": "1999-12-31T05:00:00Z",
    "severity": "LOW"
  },
  "details": "Perl 5.004_04 and earlier follows symbolic links when running with the -e option, which allows local users to overwrite arbitrary files via a symlink attack on the /tmp/perl-eaXXXXX file.",
  "id": "GHSA-rwp9-w3rx-vf92",
  "modified": "2024-01-26T18:30:27Z",
  "published": "2022-04-30T18:12:22Z",
  "references": [
    {
      "type": "ADVISORY",
      "url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-1999-1386"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "http://marc.info/?l=bugtraq\u0026m=88932165406213\u0026w=2"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "http://www.iss.net/security_center/static/7243.php"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "http://www.redhat.com/support/errata/rh50-errata-general.html#perl"
    }
  ],
  "schema_version": "1.4.0",
  "severity": [
    {
      "score": "CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:H/A:N",
      "type": "CVSS_V3"
    }
  ]
}

GHSA-RWV9-Q2H8-5644

Vulnerability from github – Published: 2024-04-09 18:30 – Updated: 2024-04-09 18:30
VLAI
Details

Microsoft Install Service Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability

Show details on source website

{
  "affected": [],
  "aliases": [
    "CVE-2024-26158"
  ],
  "database_specific": {
    "cwe_ids": [
      "CWE-59"
    ],
    "github_reviewed": false,
    "github_reviewed_at": null,
    "nvd_published_at": "2024-04-09T17:15:35Z",
    "severity": "HIGH"
  },
  "details": "Microsoft Install Service Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability",
  "id": "GHSA-rwv9-q2h8-5644",
  "modified": "2024-04-09T18:30:24Z",
  "published": "2024-04-09T18:30:24Z",
  "references": [
    {
      "type": "ADVISORY",
      "url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2024-26158"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "https://msrc.microsoft.com/update-guide/vulnerability/CVE-2024-26158"
    }
  ],
  "schema_version": "1.4.0",
  "severity": [
    {
      "score": "CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H",
      "type": "CVSS_V3"
    }
  ]
}

GHSA-RX3G-MVC3-QFJF

Vulnerability from github – Published: 2026-03-03 00:20 – Updated: 2026-03-20 21:36
VLAI
Summary
OpenClaw's avatar symlink traversal can expose out-of-workspace local files
Details

Summary

OpenClaw avatar handling allowed a symlink traversal path that could expose local files outside an agent workspace through gateway avatar surfaces.

Affected Packages / Versions

  • Package: openclaw (npm)
  • Affected versions: <= 2026.2.21, plus prereleases 2026.2.21-1 and 2026.2.21-2
  • Latest published version at triage time (2026-02-22): 2026.2.21-2 (affected)
  • Planned patched version (pre-set for release workflow): 2026.2.22

Details

In vulnerable builds, local avatar resolution could follow symlinks and return file bytes from outside the configured workspace boundary.

The issue was hardened in two paths: 1. Gateway avatar metadata resolution now enforces canonical containment, O_NOFOLLOW, and fd/file-identity checks. 2. Control UI avatar serving now rejects symlink paths and enforces fd/file-identity and size checks before reads.

Fix Commit(s)

  • 3d0337504349954237d09e4d957df5cb844d5e77
  • 6970c2c2db3ee069ef0fff0ade5cfbdd0134f9d2

Release Process Note

patched_versions is pre-set to >= 2026.2.22 so after npm release, the remaining action is to publish this advisory.

Impact

Confidentiality impact only: local files readable by the OpenClaw process could be disclosed via avatar response surfaces.

OpenClaw thanks @tdjackey for reporting.

Show details on source website

{
  "affected": [
    {
      "package": {
        "ecosystem": "npm",
        "name": "openclaw"
      },
      "ranges": [
        {
          "events": [
            {
              "introduced": "0"
            },
            {
              "fixed": "2026.2.22"
            }
          ],
          "type": "ECOSYSTEM"
        }
      ]
    }
  ],
  "aliases": [
    "CVE-2026-32024"
  ],
  "database_specific": {
    "cwe_ids": [
      "CWE-22",
      "CWE-59"
    ],
    "github_reviewed": true,
    "github_reviewed_at": "2026-03-03T00:20:18Z",
    "nvd_published_at": "2026-03-19T22:16:36Z",
    "severity": "MODERATE"
  },
  "details": "### Summary\nOpenClaw avatar handling allowed a symlink traversal path that could expose local files outside an agent workspace through gateway avatar surfaces.\n\n### Affected Packages / Versions\n- Package: `openclaw` (npm)\n- Affected versions: `\u003c= 2026.2.21`, plus prereleases `2026.2.21-1` and `2026.2.21-2`\n- Latest published version at triage time (2026-02-22): `2026.2.21-2` (affected)\n- Planned patched version (pre-set for release workflow): `2026.2.22`\n\n### Details\nIn vulnerable builds, local avatar resolution could follow symlinks and return file bytes from outside the configured workspace boundary.\n\nThe issue was hardened in two paths:\n1. Gateway avatar metadata resolution now enforces canonical containment, `O_NOFOLLOW`, and fd/file-identity checks.\n2. Control UI avatar serving now rejects symlink paths and enforces fd/file-identity and size checks before reads.\n\n### Fix Commit(s)\n- `3d0337504349954237d09e4d957df5cb844d5e77`\n- `6970c2c2db3ee069ef0fff0ade5cfbdd0134f9d2`\n\n### Release Process Note\n`patched_versions` is pre-set to `\u003e= 2026.2.22` so after npm release, the remaining action is to publish this advisory.\n\n### Impact\nConfidentiality impact only: local files readable by the OpenClaw process could be disclosed via avatar response surfaces.\n\nOpenClaw thanks @tdjackey for reporting.",
  "id": "GHSA-rx3g-mvc3-qfjf",
  "modified": "2026-03-20T21:36:57Z",
  "published": "2026-03-03T00:20:18Z",
  "references": [
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/security/advisories/GHSA-rx3g-mvc3-qfjf"
    },
    {
      "type": "ADVISORY",
      "url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-32024"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/commit/3d0337504349954237d09e4d957df5cb844d5e77"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/commit/6970c2c2db3ee069ef0fff0ade5cfbdd0134f9d2"
    },
    {
      "type": "PACKAGE",
      "url": "https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "https://www.vulncheck.com/advisories/openclaw-symlink-traversal-in-avatar-handling"
    }
  ],
  "schema_version": "1.4.0",
  "severity": [
    {
      "score": "CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:N/A:N",
      "type": "CVSS_V3"
    },
    {
      "score": "CVSS:4.0/AV:L/AC:L/AT:N/PR:L/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"
    }
  ],
  "summary": "OpenClaw\u0027s avatar symlink traversal can expose out-of-workspace local files"
}

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.