CWE-59
AllowedImproper 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.
1987 vulnerabilities reference this CWE, most recent first.
GHSA-832G-RWMF-RC6M
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2022-04-30 18:17 – Updated: 2024-02-02 03:30ArGoSoft FTP Server 1.2.2.2 allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files and directories by uploading a .lnk (link) file that points to the target file.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2001-1043"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-59"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2001-07-01T04:00:00Z",
"severity": "MODERATE"
},
"details": "ArGoSoft FTP Server 1.2.2.2 allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files and directories by uploading a .lnk (link) file that points to the target file.",
"id": "GHSA-832g-rwmf-rc6m",
"modified": "2024-02-02T03:30:28Z",
"published": "2022-04-30T18:17:14Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2001-1043"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://exchange.xforce.ibmcloud.com/vulnerabilities/6760"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://www.osvdb.org/1886"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://www.securityfocus.com/archive/1/194445"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/2961"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [
{
"score": "CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:N/A:N",
"type": "CVSS_V3"
}
]
}
GHSA-83GM-5269-QR3V
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2022-08-26 00:03 – Updated: 2022-09-01 00:00A symbolic link issue was found in rpm. It occurs when rpm sets the desired permissions and credentials after installing a file. A local unprivileged user could use this flaw to exchange the original file with a symbolic link to a security-critical file and escalate their privileges on the system. The highest threat from this vulnerability is to data confidentiality and integrity as well as system availability.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2021-35938"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-59"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2022-08-25T20:15:00Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "A symbolic link issue was found in rpm. It occurs when rpm sets the desired permissions and credentials after installing a file. A local unprivileged user could use this flaw to exchange the original file with a symbolic link to a security-critical file and escalate their privileges on the system. The highest threat from this vulnerability is to data confidentiality and integrity as well as system availability.",
"id": "GHSA-83gm-5269-qr3v",
"modified": "2022-09-01T00:00:21Z",
"published": "2022-08-26T00:03:29Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2021-35938"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://github.com/rpm-software-management/rpm/pull/1919"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://github.com/rpm-software-management/rpm/commit/25a435e90844ea98fe5eb7bef22c1aecf3a9c033"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://access.redhat.com/security/cve/CVE-2021-35938"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://bugzilla.redhat.com/show_bug.cgi?id=1964114"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://bugzilla.suse.com/show_bug.cgi?id=1157880"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://rpm.org/wiki/Releases/4.18.0"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://security.gentoo.org/glsa/202210-22"
}
],
"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-843R-CHV3-752M
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2022-05-17 05:52 – Updated: 2022-05-17 05:52freevo.real in freevo 1.8.1 allows local users to overwrite arbitrary files via a symlink attack on (1) /tmp/-#####.pid, (2) /tmp/freevo-gdb, (3) /tmp/freevo-gdb.sh, and (4) /tmp/.stats temporary files. NOTE: this issue is only a vulnerability when a verbose debug mode is activated by modifying source code.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2008-4955"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-59"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2008-11-05T15:00:00Z",
"severity": "MODERATE"
},
"details": "freevo.real in freevo 1.8.1 allows local users to overwrite arbitrary files via a symlink attack on (1) /tmp/*-#####.pid, (2) /tmp/freevo-gdb, (3) /tmp/freevo-gdb.sh, and (4) /tmp/*.stats temporary files. NOTE: this issue is only a vulnerability when a verbose debug mode is activated by modifying source code.",
"id": "GHSA-843r-chv3-752m",
"modified": "2022-05-17T05:52:31Z",
"published": "2022-05-17T05:52:31Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2008-4955"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://bugs.gentoo.org/show_bug.cgi?id=235770"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://bugs.debian.org/496373"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://dev.gentoo.org/~rbu/security/debiantemp/freevo"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2008/10/30/2"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": []
}
GHSA-846G-25MR-V9P5
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2022-05-05 02:48 – Updated: 2026-04-30 18:30(1) installer/basedefs.py and (2) modules/ospluginutils.py in PackStack allows local users to overwrite arbitrary files via a symlink attack on a temporary file with a predictable name in /tmp.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2013-0261"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-59"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2013-03-08T21:55:00Z",
"severity": "MODERATE"
},
"details": "(1) installer/basedefs.py and (2) modules/ospluginutils.py in PackStack allows local users to overwrite arbitrary files via a symlink attack on a temporary file with a predictable name in /tmp.",
"id": "GHSA-846g-25mr-v9p5",
"modified": "2026-04-30T18:30:23Z",
"published": "2022-05-05T02:48:41Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2013-0261"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://access.redhat.com/security/cve/CVE-2013-0261"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://bugzilla.redhat.com/show_bug.cgi?id=908101"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://rhn.redhat.com/errata/RHSA-2013-0595.html"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [
{
"score": "CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H",
"type": "CVSS_V3"
}
]
}
GHSA-8564-PMX5-55H5
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2025-05-13 21:30 – Updated: 2025-05-13 21:30Improper link resolution before file access ('Link Following') for some Intel(R) Graphics Driver software installers may allow an authenticated user to potentially enable escalation of privilege via local access.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2025-20003"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-59"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2025-05-13T21:16:02Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "Improper link resolution before file access (\u0027Link Following\u0027) for some Intel(R) Graphics Driver software installers may allow an authenticated user to potentially enable escalation of privilege via local access.",
"id": "GHSA-8564-pmx5-55h5",
"modified": "2025-05-13T21:30:55Z",
"published": "2025-05-13T21:30:55Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2025-20003"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://intel.com/content/www/us/en/security-center/advisory/intel-sa-01259.html"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [
{
"score": "CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:R/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H",
"type": "CVSS_V3"
},
{
"score": "CVSS:4.0/AV:L/AC:L/AT:P/PR:L/UI:N/VC:H/VI:H/VA:H/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"
}
]
}
GHSA-85P4-HQW6-7QH3
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2024-05-03 03:30 – Updated: 2024-05-03 03:30G DATA Total Security Link Following Local Privilege Escalation Vulnerability. This vulnerability allows local attackers to escalate privileges on affected installations of G Data Total Security. 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 G DATA Backup Service. By creating a symbolic link, an attacker can abuse the service to create arbitrary files. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to escalate privileges and execute arbitrary code in the context of SYSTEM. Was ZDI-CAN-18749.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2023-27347"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-59"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2024-05-03T02:15:12Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "G DATA Total Security Link Following Local Privilege Escalation Vulnerability. This vulnerability allows local attackers to escalate privileges on affected installations of G Data Total Security. 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 G DATA Backup Service. By creating a symbolic link, an attacker can abuse the service to create arbitrary files. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to escalate privileges and execute arbitrary code in the context of SYSTEM. Was ZDI-CAN-18749.",
"id": "GHSA-85p4-hqw6-7qh3",
"modified": "2024-05-03T03:30:49Z",
"published": "2024-05-03T03:30:49Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2023-27347"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.zerodayinitiative.com/advisories/ZDI-23-379"
}
],
"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-868H-653Q-W2Q2
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2023-12-25 09:30 – Updated: 2024-01-03 21:30Support Assistant in NCP Secure Enterprise Client before 13.10 allows attackers to execute DLL files with SYSTEM privileges by creating a symbolic link from a %LOCALAPPDATA%\Temp\NcpSupport* location.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2023-28872"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-59"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2023-12-25T07:15:07Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "Support Assistant in NCP Secure Enterprise Client before 13.10 allows attackers to execute DLL files with SYSTEM privileges by creating a symbolic link from a %LOCALAPPDATA%\\Temp\\NcpSupport* location.",
"id": "GHSA-868h-653q-w2q2",
"modified": "2024-01-03T21:30:31Z",
"published": "2023-12-25T09:30:19Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2023-28872"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://herolab.usd.de/en/security-advisories/usd-2022-0006"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [
{
"score": "CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H",
"type": "CVSS_V3"
}
]
}
GHSA-86CX-5FMH-R6XM
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2022-05-17 04:42 – Updated: 2022-05-17 04:42include/tests_webservers in Lynis before 1.5.5 allows local users to overwrite arbitrary files via a symlink attack on a /tmp/lynis.*.unsorted file with an easily determined name.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2014-3986"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-59"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2014-06-08T18:55:00Z",
"severity": "LOW"
},
"details": "include/tests_webservers in Lynis before 1.5.5 allows local users to overwrite arbitrary files via a symlink attack on a /tmp/lynis.*.unsorted file with an easily determined name.",
"id": "GHSA-86cx-5fmh-r6xm",
"modified": "2022-05-17T04:42:21Z",
"published": "2022-05-17T04:42:21Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2014-3986"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://cisofy.com/files/lynis-1.5.5.tar.gz"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2014/06/05/14"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2014/06/06/12"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2014/06/07/3"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2014/Jun/21"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": []
}
GHSA-86JP-9FVQ-QR9R
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2024-12-11 09:32 – Updated: 2024-12-11 09:32Dell Client Platform Firmware Update Utility contains an Improper Link Resolution vulnerability. A high privileged attacker with local access could potentially exploit this vulnerability, leading to Elevation of Privileges.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2024-52537"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-59",
"CWE-61"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2024-12-11T08:15:05Z",
"severity": "MODERATE"
},
"details": "Dell Client Platform Firmware Update Utility contains an Improper Link Resolution vulnerability. A high privileged attacker with local access could potentially exploit this vulnerability, leading to Elevation of Privileges.",
"id": "GHSA-86jp-9fvq-qr9r",
"modified": "2024-12-11T09:32:03Z",
"published": "2024-12-11T09:32:03Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2024-52537"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.dell.com/support/kbdoc/en-us/000227591/dsa-2024-351"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [
{
"score": "CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:H/PR:H/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H",
"type": "CVSS_V3"
}
]
}
GHSA-8727-34W8-V299
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2022-05-17 04:57 – Updated: 2022-05-17 04:57nagios.upgrade_to_v3.sh, as distributed by Red Hat and possibly others for Nagios Core 3.4.4, 3.5.1, and earlier, allows local users to overwrite arbitrary files via a symlink attack on a temporary nagioscfg file with a predictable name in /tmp/.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2013-2029"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-59"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2013-11-23T17:55:00Z",
"severity": "MODERATE"
},
"details": "nagios.upgrade_to_v3.sh, as distributed by Red Hat and possibly others for Nagios Core 3.4.4, 3.5.1, and earlier, allows local users to overwrite arbitrary files via a symlink attack on a temporary nagioscfg file with a predictable name in /tmp/.",
"id": "GHSA-8727-34w8-v299",
"modified": "2022-05-17T04:57:17Z",
"published": "2022-05-17T04:57:17Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2013-2029"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://access.redhat.com/errata/RHSA-2013:1526"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://access.redhat.com/security/cve/CVE-2013-2029"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://bugzilla.redhat.com/show_bug.cgi?id=958015"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://rhn.redhat.com/errata/RHSA-2013-1526.html"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": []
}
Mitigation MIT-48.1
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.