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-RQ67-5WPF-96WV
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2022-05-24 17:45 – Updated: 2025-12-03 15:30There is an open race window when writing output in the following utilities in GNU binutils version 2.35 and earlier:ar, objcopy, strip, ranlib. When these utilities are run as a privileged user (presumably as part of a script updating binaries across different users), an unprivileged user can trick these utilities into getting ownership of arbitrary files through a symlink.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2021-20197"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-362",
"CWE-59"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2021-03-26T17:15:00Z",
"severity": "MODERATE"
},
"details": "There is an open race window when writing output in the following utilities in GNU binutils version 2.35 and earlier:ar, objcopy, strip, ranlib. When these utilities are run as a privileged user (presumably as part of a script updating binaries across different users), an unprivileged user can trick these utilities into getting ownership of arbitrary files through a symlink.",
"id": "GHSA-rq67-5wpf-96wv",
"modified": "2025-12-03T15:30:27Z",
"published": "2022-05-24T17:45:32Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2021-20197"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://access.redhat.com/errata/RHSA-2021:4364"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://access.redhat.com/security/cve/CVE-2021-20197"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://bugzilla.redhat.com/show_bug.cgi?id=1913743"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://security.gentoo.org/glsa/202208-30"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://security.netapp.com/advisory/ntap-20210528-0009"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://sourceware.org/bugzilla/show_bug.cgi?id=26945"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [
{
"score": "CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:H/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:N",
"type": "CVSS_V3"
}
]
}
GHSA-RQ6Q-WR2Q-7PGP
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2026-01-21 22:36 – Updated: 2026-01-22 15:41Impact
Multiple Scaffolder actions and archive extraction utilities were vulnerable to symlink-based path traversal attacks. An attacker with access to create and execute Scaffolder templates could exploit symlinks to:
- Read arbitrary files via the
debug:logaction by creating a symlink pointing to sensitive files (e.g.,/etc/passwd, configuration files, secrets) - Delete arbitrary files via the
fs:deleteaction by creating symlinks pointing outside the workspace - Write files outside the workspace via archive extraction (tar/zip) containing malicious symlinks
This affects any Backstage deployment where users can create or execute Scaffolder templates.
Patches
This vulnerability is fixed in the following package versions:
@backstage/backend-defaultsversion 0.12.2, 0.13.2, 0.14.1, 0.15.0@backstage/plugin-scaffolder-backendversion 2.2.2, 3.0.2, 3.1.1@backstage/plugin-scaffolder-nodeversion 0.11.2, 0.12.3
Users should upgrade to these versions or later.
Workarounds
- Follow the recommendation in the Backstage Threat Model to limit access to creating and updating templates
- Restrict who can create and execute Scaffolder templates using the permissions framework
- Audit existing templates for symlink usage
- Run Backstage in a containerized environment with limited filesystem access
References
{
"affected": [
{
"package": {
"ecosystem": "npm",
"name": "@backstage/backend-defaults"
},
"ranges": [
{
"events": [
{
"introduced": "0"
},
{
"fixed": "0.12.2"
}
],
"type": "ECOSYSTEM"
}
]
},
{
"package": {
"ecosystem": "npm",
"name": "@backstage/backend-defaults"
},
"ranges": [
{
"events": [
{
"introduced": "0.13.0"
},
{
"fixed": "0.13.2"
}
],
"type": "ECOSYSTEM"
}
]
},
{
"package": {
"ecosystem": "npm",
"name": "@backstage/backend-defaults"
},
"ranges": [
{
"events": [
{
"introduced": "0.14.0"
},
{
"fixed": "0.14.1"
}
],
"type": "ECOSYSTEM"
}
]
},
{
"package": {
"ecosystem": "npm",
"name": "@backstage/plugin-scaffolder-backend"
},
"ranges": [
{
"events": [
{
"introduced": "0"
},
{
"fixed": "2.2.2"
}
],
"type": "ECOSYSTEM"
}
]
},
{
"package": {
"ecosystem": "npm",
"name": "@backstage/plugin-scaffolder-backend"
},
"ranges": [
{
"events": [
{
"introduced": "3.0.0"
},
{
"fixed": "3.0.2"
}
],
"type": "ECOSYSTEM"
}
]
},
{
"package": {
"ecosystem": "npm",
"name": "@backstage/plugin-scaffolder-backend"
},
"ranges": [
{
"events": [
{
"introduced": "3.1.0"
},
{
"fixed": "3.1.1"
}
],
"type": "ECOSYSTEM"
}
]
},
{
"package": {
"ecosystem": "npm",
"name": "@backstage/plugin-scaffolder-node"
},
"ranges": [
{
"events": [
{
"introduced": "0"
},
{
"fixed": "0.11.2"
}
],
"type": "ECOSYSTEM"
}
]
},
{
"package": {
"ecosystem": "npm",
"name": "@backstage/plugin-scaffolder-node"
},
"ranges": [
{
"events": [
{
"introduced": "0.12.0"
},
{
"fixed": "0.12.3"
}
],
"type": "ECOSYSTEM"
}
]
}
],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2026-24046"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-22",
"CWE-59"
],
"github_reviewed": true,
"github_reviewed_at": "2026-01-21T22:36:36Z",
"nvd_published_at": "2026-01-21T23:15:53Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "### Impact\n\nMultiple Scaffolder actions and archive extraction utilities were vulnerable to symlink-based path traversal attacks. An attacker with access to create and execute Scaffolder templates could exploit symlinks to:\n\n1. **Read arbitrary files** via the `debug:log` action by creating a symlink pointing to sensitive files (e.g., `/etc/passwd`, configuration files, secrets)\n2. **Delete arbitrary files** via the `fs:delete` action by creating symlinks pointing outside the workspace\n3. **Write files outside the workspace** via archive extraction (tar/zip) containing malicious symlinks\n\nThis affects any Backstage deployment where users can create or execute Scaffolder templates.\n\n### Patches\n\nThis vulnerability is fixed in the following package versions:\n\n- `@backstage/backend-defaults` version 0.12.2, 0.13.2, 0.14.1, 0.15.0\n- `@backstage/plugin-scaffolder-backend` version 2.2.2, 3.0.2, 3.1.1\n- `@backstage/plugin-scaffolder-node` version 0.11.2, 0.12.3\n\nUsers should upgrade to these versions or later.\n\n### Workarounds\n\n- Follow the recommendation in the [Backstage Threat Model](https://backstage.io/docs/overview/threat-model#scaffolder) to limit access to creating and updating templates\n- Restrict who can create and execute Scaffolder templates using the permissions framework\n- Audit existing templates for symlink usage\n- Run Backstage in a containerized environment with limited filesystem access\n\n### References\n\n- [CWE-59: Improper Link Resolution Before File Access](https://cwe.mitre.org/data/definitions/59.html)\n- [OWASP Path Traversal](https://owasp.org/www-community/attacks/Path_Traversal)",
"id": "GHSA-rq6q-wr2q-7pgp",
"modified": "2026-01-22T15:41:18Z",
"published": "2026-01-21T22:36:36Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://github.com/backstage/backstage/security/advisories/GHSA-rq6q-wr2q-7pgp"
},
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-24046"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://github.com/backstage/backstage/commit/c641c147ab371a9a8a2f5f67fdb7cb9c97ef345d"
},
{
"type": "PACKAGE",
"url": "https://github.com/backstage/backstage"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [
{
"score": "CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:H/PR:L/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:N/A:L",
"type": "CVSS_V3"
}
],
"summary": "Backstage has a Possible Symlink Path Traversal in Scaffolder Actions"
}
GHSA-RQF6-6P8F-F2PV
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2024-12-30 18:30 – Updated: 2024-12-30 18:30AnyDesk 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.
{
"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 01:38In 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.
{
"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 05:06Dell 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).
{
"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 16:47The (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.
{
"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 02:38ViArt 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.
{
"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 05:25The 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.
{
"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 15:04The 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.
{
"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 18:30Perl 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.
{
"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"
}
]
}
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.