CVE-2008-4832: rpath initscripts Link Following

Vulnerability summary

CVE-2008-4832 is a medium (CVSS 6.9) Link Following vulnerability in rpath initscripts. EPSS estimates a 0.28% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days, higher than 19.2% of scored vulnerabilities.

Timeline

1. 17-11-2008
   PublishedVulnerability first disclosed.
2. 07-08-2024
   Last modifiedVulnerability information updated.

Description

rc.sysinit in initscripts 8.12-8.21 and 8.56.15-0.1 on rPath allows local users to delete arbitrary files via a symlink attack on a directory under (1) /var/lock or (2) /var/run. NOTE: this issue exists because of a race condition in an incorrect fix for CVE-2008-3524. NOTE: exploitation may require an unusual scenario in which rc.sysinit is executed other than at boot time.

• CWE-59Improper Link Resolution Before File Access ('Link Following')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.