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.
2291 vulnerabilities reference this CWE, most recent first.
GHSA-J88G-9FP9-644J
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2022-05-02 00:06 – Updated: 2022-05-02 00:06Tools/faqwiz/move-faqwiz.sh (aka the generic FAQ wizard moving tool) in Python 2.4.5 might allow local users to overwrite arbitrary files via a symlink attack on a tmp$RANDOM.tmp temporary file. NOTE: there may not be common usage scenarios in which tmp$RANDOM.tmp is located in an untrusted directory.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2008-4108"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-59"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2008-09-18T17:59:00Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "Tools/faqwiz/move-faqwiz.sh (aka the generic FAQ wizard moving tool) in Python 2.4.5 might allow local users to overwrite arbitrary files via a symlink attack on a tmp$RANDOM.tmp temporary file. NOTE: there may not be common usage scenarios in which tmp$RANDOM.tmp is located in an untrusted directory.",
"id": "GHSA-j88g-9fp9-644j",
"modified": "2022-05-02T00:06:49Z",
"published": "2022-05-02T00:06:49Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2008-4108"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://bugzilla.redhat.com/show_bug.cgi?id=462326"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://exchange.xforce.ibmcloud.com/vulnerabilities/45161"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://bugs.debian.org/cgi-bin/bugreport.cgi?bug=498899"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://marc.info/?l=oss-security\u0026m=122148330903513\u0026w=2"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://marc.info/?l=oss-security\u0026m=122152861617434\u0026w=2"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://securityreason.com/securityalert/4274"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/31184"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://www.securitytracker.com/id?1020904"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://www.vupen.com/english/advisories/2008/2659"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": []
}
GHSA-J95H-QVX8-JP23
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2023-07-11 18:31 – Updated: 2025-10-22 00:32Windows Error Reporting Service Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2023-36874"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-59"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2023-07-11T18:15:20Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "Windows Error Reporting Service Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability",
"id": "GHSA-j95h-qvx8-jp23",
"modified": "2025-10-22T00:32:44Z",
"published": "2023-07-11T18:31:28Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2023-36874"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://msrc.microsoft.com/update-guide/vulnerability/CVE-2023-36874"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog?field_cve=CVE-2023-36874"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://packetstormsecurity.com/files/174843/Microsoft-Error-Reporting-Local-Privilege-Elevation.html"
}
],
"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-J962-W243-6G33
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2024-09-17 00:31 – Updated: 2025-11-04 18:31This issue was addressed with improved validation of symlinks. This issue is fixed in macOS Ventura 13.7, macOS Sonoma 14.7, macOS Sequoia 15. An app may be able to modify protected parts of the file system.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2024-44178"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-59",
"CWE-787"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2024-09-17T00:15:51Z",
"severity": "MODERATE"
},
"details": "This issue was addressed with improved validation of symlinks. This issue is fixed in macOS Ventura 13.7, macOS Sonoma 14.7, macOS Sequoia 15. An app may be able to modify protected parts of the file system.",
"id": "GHSA-j962-w243-6g33",
"modified": "2025-11-04T18:31:24Z",
"published": "2024-09-17T00:31:06Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2024-44178"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://support.apple.com/en-us/121234"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://support.apple.com/en-us/121238"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://support.apple.com/en-us/121247"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2024/Sep/33"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2024/Sep/40"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2024/Sep/41"
}
],
"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-J973-4X87-2J5R
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2022-05-13 01:14 – Updated: 2022-05-13 01:14modules.d/90crypt/module-setup.sh in the dracut package before 037-17.30.1 in openSUSE 13.2 allows local users to have unspecified impact via a symlink attack on /tmp/dracut_block_uuid.map.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2015-0794"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-59"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2015-11-19T20:59:00Z",
"severity": "LOW"
},
"details": "modules.d/90crypt/module-setup.sh in the dracut package before 037-17.30.1 in openSUSE 13.2 allows local users to have unspecified impact via a symlink attack on /tmp/dracut_block_uuid.map.",
"id": "GHSA-j973-4x87-2j5r",
"modified": "2022-05-13T01:14:59Z",
"published": "2022-05-13T01:14:59Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2015-0794"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://lists.opensuse.org/opensuse-bugs/2015-06/msg02580.html"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://lists.opensuse.org/opensuse-bugs/2015-06/msg02585.html"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://lists.opensuse.org/opensuse-updates/2015-11/msg00098.html"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": []
}
GHSA-J97V-38WX-6PJJ
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2022-04-30 18:19 – Updated: 2024-01-26 18:30Hard link and possibly symbolic link following vulnerabilities in QNX RTOS 4.25 (aka QNX4) allow local users to overwrite arbitrary files via (1) the -f argument to the monitor utility, (2) the -d argument to dumper, (3) the -c argument to crttrap, or (4) using the Watcom sample utility.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2002-0793"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-59"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2002-08-12T04:00:00Z",
"severity": "MODERATE"
},
"details": "Hard link and possibly symbolic link following vulnerabilities in QNX RTOS 4.25 (aka QNX4) allow local users to overwrite arbitrary files via (1) the -f argument to the monitor utility, (2) the -d argument to dumper, (3) the -c argument to crttrap, or (4) using the Watcom sample utility.",
"id": "GHSA-j97v-38wx-6pjj",
"modified": "2024-01-26T18:30:29Z",
"published": "2022-04-30T18:19:56Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2002-0793"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://exchange.xforce.ibmcloud.com/vulnerabilities/9232"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://exchange.xforce.ibmcloud.com/vulnerabilities/9233"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://exchange.xforce.ibmcloud.com/vulnerabilities/9234"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://archives.neohapsis.com/archives/bugtraq/2002-05/0292.html"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://www.iss.net/security_center/static/9231.php"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/4901"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/4902"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/4903"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/4904"
}
],
"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-J9WW-72PM-37H3
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2022-05-24 17:07 – Updated: 2022-05-24 17:07UNIX Symbolic Link (Symlink) Following vulnerability in the packaging of privoxy on openSUSE Leap 15.1, Factory allows local attackers to escalate from user privoxy to root. This issue affects: openSUSE Leap 15.1 privoxy version 3.0.28-lp151.1.1 and prior versions. openSUSE Factory privoxy version 3.0.28-2.1 and prior versions.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2019-3699"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-59"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2020-01-24T13:15:00Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "UNIX Symbolic Link (Symlink) Following vulnerability in the packaging of privoxy on openSUSE Leap 15.1, Factory allows local attackers to escalate from user privoxy to root. This issue affects: openSUSE Leap 15.1 privoxy version 3.0.28-lp151.1.1 and prior versions. openSUSE Factory privoxy version 3.0.28-2.1 and prior versions.",
"id": "GHSA-j9ww-72pm-37h3",
"modified": "2022-05-24T17:07:18Z",
"published": "2022-05-24T17:07:18Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2019-3699"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://bugzilla.suse.com/show_bug.cgi?id=1157449"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": []
}
GHSA-JC4G-XV32-X5M9
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2026-02-09 18:30 – Updated: 2026-02-09 18:30Dell Display and Peripheral Manager (Windows) versions prior to 2.2 contain an Improper Link Resolution Before File Access ('Link Following') vulnerability in the Installer and Service. A low privileged attacker with local access could potentially exploit this vulnerability, leading to Elevation of Privileges
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2026-21419"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-59"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2026-02-09T18:16:05Z",
"severity": "MODERATE"
},
"details": "Dell Display and Peripheral Manager (Windows) versions prior to 2.2 contain an Improper Link Resolution Before File Access (\u0027Link Following\u0027) vulnerability in the Installer and Service. A low privileged attacker with local access could potentially exploit this vulnerability, leading to Elevation of Privileges",
"id": "GHSA-jc4g-xv32-x5m9",
"modified": "2026-02-09T18:30:31Z",
"published": "2026-02-09T18:30:31Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-21419"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.dell.com/support/kbdoc/en-us/000384542/dsa-2026-009"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [
{
"score": "CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:R/S:U/C:N/I:H/A:H",
"type": "CVSS_V3"
}
]
}
GHSA-JC8J-6HPQ-92WX
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2022-05-24 19:11 – Updated: 2022-05-24 19:11An issue was discovered in Foxit Reader and PhantomPDF before 10.1.4. It allows attackers to delete arbitrary files (during uninstallation) via a symlink.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2021-38570"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-59"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2021-08-11T22:15:00Z",
"severity": "CRITICAL"
},
"details": "An issue was discovered in Foxit Reader and PhantomPDF before 10.1.4. It allows attackers to delete arbitrary files (during uninstallation) via a symlink.",
"id": "GHSA-jc8j-6hpq-92wx",
"modified": "2022-05-24T19:11:01Z",
"published": "2022-05-24T19:11:01Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2021-38570"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.foxitsoftware.com/support/security-bulletins.php"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": []
}
GHSA-JCPW-F7C4-6WR7
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2022-05-24 16:50 – Updated: 2025-10-22 00:31An elevation of privilege vulnerability exists when Windows AppX Deployment Service (AppXSVC) improperly handles hard links, aka 'Windows Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability'. This CVE ID is unique from CVE-2019-1130.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2019-1129"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-59"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2019-07-15T19:15:00Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "An elevation of privilege vulnerability exists when Windows AppX Deployment Service (AppXSVC) improperly handles hard links, aka \u0027Windows Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability\u0027. This CVE ID is unique from CVE-2019-1130.",
"id": "GHSA-jcpw-f7c4-6wr7",
"modified": "2025-10-22T00:31:42Z",
"published": "2022-05-24T16:50:24Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2019-1129"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://portal.msrc.microsoft.com/en-US/security-guidance/advisory/CVE-2019-1129"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog?field_cve=CVE-2019-1129"
}
],
"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-JCW9-XH9J-X87M
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2022-05-01 18:18 – Updated: 2022-05-01 18:18gforge 3.1 and 4.5.14 allows local users to truncate arbitrary files via a symlink attack on temporary files.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2007-3921"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-59"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2007-11-08T11:46:00Z",
"severity": "LOW"
},
"details": "gforge 3.1 and 4.5.14 allows local users to truncate arbitrary files via a symlink attack on temporary files.",
"id": "GHSA-jcw9-xh9j-x87m",
"modified": "2022-05-01T18:18:35Z",
"published": "2022-05-01T18:18:35Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2007-3921"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://exchange.xforce.ibmcloud.com/vulnerabilities/38329"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://osvdb.org/42117"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://secunia.com/advisories/27549"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://secunia.com/advisories/27586"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://www.debian.org/security/2007/dsa-1402"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/26373"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://www.vupen.com/english/advisories/2007/3773"
}
],
"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.