Common Weakness Enumeration

CWE-59

Allowed

Improper Link Resolution Before File Access ('Link Following')

Abstraction: Base · Status: Draft

API response cwe.mitre.org

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.

1983 vulnerabilities reference this CWE, most recent first.

GHSA-X3MH-96HM-QGVV

Vulnerability from github – Published: 2022-05-02 00:06 – Updated: 2022-05-02 00:06
VLAI
Details

plaiter in Plait before 1.6 allows local users to overwrite arbitrary files via a symlink attack on (1) cut.$$, (2) head.$$, (3) awk.$$, and (4) ps.$$ temporary files in /tmp/.

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{
  "affected": [],
  "aliases": [
    "CVE-2008-4085"
  ],
  "database_specific": {
    "cwe_ids": [
      "CWE-59"
    ],
    "github_reviewed": false,
    "github_reviewed_at": null,
    "nvd_published_at": "2008-09-15T17:12:00Z",
    "severity": "MODERATE"
  },
  "details": "plaiter in Plait before 1.6 allows local users to overwrite arbitrary files via a symlink attack on (1) cut.$$, (2) head.$$, (3) awk.$$, and (4) ps.$$ temporary files in /tmp/.",
  "id": "GHSA-x3mh-96hm-qgvv",
  "modified": "2022-05-02T00:06:44Z",
  "published": "2022-05-02T00:06:44Z",
  "references": [
    {
      "type": "ADVISORY",
      "url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2008-4085"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "https://bugs.gentoo.org/show_bug.cgi?id=235770"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "https://exchange.xforce.ibmcloud.com/vulnerabilities/44786"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "http://bugs.debian.org/cgi-bin/bugreport.cgi?bug=496381"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "http://dev.gentoo.org/~rbu/security/debiantemp/plait"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "http://secunia.com/advisories/31617"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "http://sourceforge.net/project/shownotes.php?group_id=147849\u0026release_id=623154"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2008/10/30/2"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/30928"
    }
  ],
  "schema_version": "1.4.0",
  "severity": []
}

GHSA-X3Q7-HMMP-XPRV

Vulnerability from github – Published: 2023-06-30 21:30 – Updated: 2024-04-04 05:19
VLAI
Details

Malwarebytes Anti-Exploit 4.4.0.220 is vulnerable to arbitrary file deletion and denial of service via an ALPC message in which FullFileNamePath lacks a '\0' character.

Severity
7.1 (High)
CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:H/A:H
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{
  "affected": [],
  "aliases": [
    "CVE-2023-27469"
  ],
  "database_specific": {
    "cwe_ids": [
      "CWE-59"
    ],
    "github_reviewed": false,
    "github_reviewed_at": null,
    "nvd_published_at": "2023-06-30T20:15:09Z",
    "severity": "HIGH"
  },
  "details": "Malwarebytes Anti-Exploit 4.4.0.220 is vulnerable to arbitrary file deletion and denial of service via an ALPC message in which FullFileNamePath lacks a \u0027\\0\u0027 character.",
  "id": "GHSA-x3q7-hmmp-xprv",
  "modified": "2024-04-04T05:19:07Z",
  "published": "2023-06-30T21:30:26Z",
  "references": [
    {
      "type": "ADVISORY",
      "url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2023-27469"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "https://malwarebytes.com"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "https://www.malwarebytes.com/secure/cves/cve-2023-27469"
    }
  ],
  "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:H",
      "type": "CVSS_V3"
    }
  ]
}

GHSA-X3QJ-P2X9-X5G4

Vulnerability from github – Published: 2022-05-02 00:08 – Updated: 2022-05-02 00:08
VLAI
Details

Open redirect vulnerability in the ibm_security_logout servlet in IBM WebSphere Application Server (WAS) 5.1.1.19 and earlier 5.x versions, 6.0.x before 6.0.2.33, and 6.1.x before 6.1.0.23 allows remote attackers to redirect users to arbitrary web sites and conduct phishing attacks via the logoutExitPage feature.

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{
  "affected": [],
  "aliases": [
    "CVE-2008-4284"
  ],
  "database_specific": {
    "cwe_ids": [
      "CWE-59"
    ],
    "github_reviewed": false,
    "github_reviewed_at": null,
    "nvd_published_at": "2009-02-10T22:30:00Z",
    "severity": "MODERATE"
  },
  "details": "Open redirect vulnerability in the ibm_security_logout servlet in IBM WebSphere Application Server (WAS) 5.1.1.19 and earlier 5.x versions, 6.0.x before 6.0.2.33, and 6.1.x before 6.1.0.23 allows remote attackers to redirect users to arbitrary web sites and conduct phishing attacks via the logoutExitPage feature.",
  "id": "GHSA-x3qj-p2x9-x5g4",
  "modified": "2022-05-02T00:08:33Z",
  "published": "2022-05-02T00:08:33Z",
  "references": [
    {
      "type": "ADVISORY",
      "url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2008-4284"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "https://exchange.xforce.ibmcloud.com/vulnerabilities/47200"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "http://www-1.ibm.com/support/docview.wss?uid=swg21320242"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "http://www-1.ibm.com/support/docview.wss?uid=swg24021527"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/33700"
    }
  ],
  "schema_version": "1.4.0",
  "severity": []
}

GHSA-X3RJ-R3P4-HQ68

Vulnerability from github – Published: 2022-05-24 19:10 – Updated: 2022-05-24 19:10
VLAI
Details

Windows User Account Profile Picture Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability

Severity
7.8 (High)
CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
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{
  "affected": [],
  "aliases": [
    "CVE-2021-26426"
  ],
  "database_specific": {
    "cwe_ids": [
      "CWE-269",
      "CWE-59"
    ],
    "github_reviewed": false,
    "github_reviewed_at": null,
    "nvd_published_at": "2021-08-12T18:15:00Z",
    "severity": "HIGH"
  },
  "details": "Windows User Account Profile Picture Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability",
  "id": "GHSA-x3rj-r3p4-hq68",
  "modified": "2022-05-24T19:10:54Z",
  "published": "2022-05-24T19:10:54Z",
  "references": [
    {
      "type": "ADVISORY",
      "url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2021-26426"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "https://portal.msrc.microsoft.com/en-US/security-guidance/advisory/CVE-2021-26426"
    }
  ],
  "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-X48Q-XR66-WP2X

Vulnerability from github – Published: 2022-05-17 04:16 – Updated: 2022-05-17 04:16
VLAI
Details

pax 1:20140703 allows remote attackers to write to arbitrary files via a symlink attack in an archive.

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{
  "affected": [],
  "aliases": [
    "CVE-2015-1194"
  ],
  "database_specific": {
    "cwe_ids": [
      "CWE-59"
    ],
    "github_reviewed": false,
    "github_reviewed_at": null,
    "nvd_published_at": "2015-01-21T18:59:00Z",
    "severity": "MODERATE"
  },
  "details": "pax 1:20140703 allows remote attackers to write to arbitrary files via a symlink attack in an archive.",
  "id": "GHSA-x48q-xr66-wp2x",
  "modified": "2022-05-17T04:16:57Z",
  "published": "2022-05-17T04:16:57Z",
  "references": [
    {
      "type": "ADVISORY",
      "url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2015-1194"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "https://bugs.debian.org/cgi-bin/bugreport.cgi?bug=774716"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2015/01/18/3"
    }
  ],
  "schema_version": "1.4.0",
  "severity": []
}

GHSA-X4FX-G8RH-WXJ5

Vulnerability from github – Published: 2022-05-24 19:05 – Updated: 2022-05-24 19:05
VLAI
Details

It was discovered that read_file() in apport/hookutils.py would follow symbolic links or open FIFOs. When this function is used by the openjdk-14 package apport hooks, it could expose private data to other local users.

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{
  "affected": [],
  "aliases": [
    "CVE-2021-32550"
  ],
  "database_specific": {
    "cwe_ids": [
      "CWE-59"
    ],
    "github_reviewed": false,
    "github_reviewed_at": null,
    "nvd_published_at": "2021-06-12T04:15:00Z",
    "severity": "MODERATE"
  },
  "details": "It was discovered that read_file() in apport/hookutils.py would follow symbolic links or open FIFOs. When this function is used by the openjdk-14 package apport hooks, it could expose private data to other local users.",
  "id": "GHSA-x4fx-g8rh-wxj5",
  "modified": "2022-05-24T19:05:16Z",
  "published": "2022-05-24T19:05:16Z",
  "references": [
    {
      "type": "ADVISORY",
      "url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2021-32550"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "https://bugs.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+source/apport/+bug/1917904"
    }
  ],
  "schema_version": "1.4.0",
  "severity": []
}

GHSA-X4V8-3282-QP44

Vulnerability from github – Published: 2022-05-13 01:54 – Updated: 2022-05-13 01:54
VLAI
Details

fish before 2.1.1 allows local users to write to arbitrary files via a symlink attack on (1) /tmp/fishd.log.%s, (2) /tmp/.pac-cache.$USER, (3) /tmp/.yum-cache.$USER, or (4) /tmp/.rpm-cache.$USER.

Severity
7.8 (High)
CVSS:3.0/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
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{
  "affected": [],
  "aliases": [
    "CVE-2014-3219"
  ],
  "database_specific": {
    "cwe_ids": [
      "CWE-59"
    ],
    "github_reviewed": false,
    "github_reviewed_at": null,
    "nvd_published_at": "2018-02-09T22:29:00Z",
    "severity": "HIGH"
  },
  "details": "fish before 2.1.1 allows local users to write to arbitrary files via a symlink attack on (1) /tmp/fishd.log.%s, (2) /tmp/.pac-cache.$USER, (3) /tmp/.yum-cache.$USER, or (4) /tmp/.rpm-cache.$USER.",
  "id": "GHSA-x4v8-3282-qp44",
  "modified": "2022-05-13T01:54:09Z",
  "published": "2022-05-13T01:54:09Z",
  "references": [
    {
      "type": "ADVISORY",
      "url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2014-3219"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "https://github.com/fish-shell/fish-shell/issues/1440"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "https://github.com/fish-shell/fish-shell/commit/3225d7e169a9edb2f470c26989e7bc8e0d0355ce"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "https://bugzilla.redhat.com/show_bug.cgi?id=1092091"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "http://lists.fedoraproject.org/pipermail/package-announce/2014-May/132751.html"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "http://lists.opensuse.org/opensuse-security-announce/2019-09/msg00059.html"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "http://lists.opensuse.org/opensuse-security-announce/2019-09/msg00071.html"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "http://security.gentoo.org/glsa/glsa-201412-49.xml"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2014/05/06/3"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2014/09/28/8"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/67115"
    }
  ],
  "schema_version": "1.4.0",
  "severity": [
    {
      "score": "CVSS:3.0/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H",
      "type": "CVSS_V3"
    }
  ]
}

GHSA-X4VJ-279X-QWF2

Vulnerability from github – Published: 2022-05-14 03:48 – Updated: 2023-01-27 00:50
VLAI
Summary
VladTheEnterprising allows local users to write to arbitrary files via a symlink attack
Details

lib/vlad/dba/mysql.rb in the VladTheEnterprising gem 0.2 for Ruby allows local users to write to arbitrary files via a symlink attack on /tmp/my.cnf.#{target_host}.

Severity
5.5 (Medium)
CVSS:3.0/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:H/A:N
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{
  "affected": [
    {
      "package": {
        "ecosystem": "RubyGems",
        "name": "VladTheEnterprising"
      },
      "ranges": [
        {
          "events": [
            {
              "introduced": "0"
            },
            {
              "last_affected": "0.2"
            }
          ],
          "type": "ECOSYSTEM"
        }
      ]
    }
  ],
  "aliases": [
    "CVE-2014-4996"
  ],
  "database_specific": {
    "cwe_ids": [
      "CWE-59"
    ],
    "github_reviewed": true,
    "github_reviewed_at": "2023-01-27T00:50:46Z",
    "nvd_published_at": "2018-01-10T18:29:00Z",
    "severity": "MODERATE"
  },
  "details": "`lib/vlad/dba/mysql.rb` in the VladTheEnterprising gem 0.2 for Ruby allows local users to write to arbitrary files via a symlink attack on `/tmp/my.cnf.#{target_host}`.",
  "id": "GHSA-x4vj-279x-qwf2",
  "modified": "2023-01-27T00:50:46Z",
  "published": "2022-05-14T03:48:04Z",
  "references": [
    {
      "type": "ADVISORY",
      "url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2014-4996"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "https://exchange.xforce.ibmcloud.com/vulnerabilities/94744"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20200229054941/http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/68731"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2014/07/07/14"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2014/07/17/5"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "http://www.vapid.dhs.org/advisories/VladTheEnterprising-0.2.html"
    }
  ],
  "schema_version": "1.4.0",
  "severity": [
    {
      "score": "CVSS:3.0/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:H/A:N",
      "type": "CVSS_V3"
    }
  ],
  "summary": "VladTheEnterprising allows local users to write to arbitrary files via a symlink attack"
}

GHSA-X52H-WV3H-PXC9

Vulnerability from github – Published: 2026-01-13 18:31 – Updated: 2026-01-13 18:31
VLAI
Details

Improper link resolution before file access ('link following') in Host Process for Windows Tasks allows an authorized attacker to elevate privileges locally.

Severity
7.8 (High)
CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
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{
  "affected": [],
  "aliases": [
    "CVE-2026-20941"
  ],
  "database_specific": {
    "cwe_ids": [
      "CWE-59"
    ],
    "github_reviewed": false,
    "github_reviewed_at": null,
    "nvd_published_at": "2026-01-13T18:16:21Z",
    "severity": "HIGH"
  },
  "details": "Improper link resolution before file access (\u0027link following\u0027) in Host Process for Windows Tasks allows an authorized attacker to elevate privileges locally.",
  "id": "GHSA-x52h-wv3h-pxc9",
  "modified": "2026-01-13T18:31:10Z",
  "published": "2026-01-13T18:31:10Z",
  "references": [
    {
      "type": "ADVISORY",
      "url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-20941"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "https://msrc.microsoft.com/update-guide/vulnerability/CVE-2026-20941"
    }
  ],
  "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-X5M4-62F7-C437

Vulnerability from github – Published: 2022-05-24 19:01 – Updated: 2022-05-24 19:01
VLAI
Details

Exim 4 before 4.94.2 allows Execution with Unnecessary Privileges. Because Exim operates as root in the log directory (owned by a non-root user), a symlink or hard link attack allows overwriting critical root-owned files anywhere on the filesystem.

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{
  "affected": [],
  "aliases": [
    "CVE-2020-28007"
  ],
  "database_specific": {
    "cwe_ids": [
      "CWE-59"
    ],
    "github_reviewed": false,
    "github_reviewed_at": null,
    "nvd_published_at": "2021-05-06T13:15:00Z",
    "severity": "HIGH"
  },
  "details": "Exim 4 before 4.94.2 allows Execution with Unnecessary Privileges. Because Exim operates as root in the log directory (owned by a non-root user), a symlink or hard link attack allows overwriting critical root-owned files anywhere on the filesystem.",
  "id": "GHSA-x5m4-62f7-c437",
  "modified": "2022-05-24T19:01:40Z",
  "published": "2022-05-24T19:01:40Z",
  "references": [
    {
      "type": "ADVISORY",
      "url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2020-28007"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "https://www.exim.org/static/doc/security/CVE-2020-qualys/CVE-2020-28007-LFDIR.txt"
    }
  ],
  "schema_version": "1.4.0",
  "severity": []
}
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.

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