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CVE-2008-4996

MEDIUMCVSS 5.5/10EPSS 0.43%

Last modified

CVE-2008-4996 is a medium-severity vulnerability rated 5.5/10 on the CVSS scale. init in initramfs-tools 0.92f allows local users to overwrite arbitrary files via a symlink attack on the /tmp/initramfs.debug temporary file. NOTE: the vendor disputes this vulnerability, stating that "init is [used in] a single-user context; there's no possibility that this is exploitable.. EPSS estimates a 0.43% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days.

Description

init in initramfs-tools 0.92f allows local users to overwrite arbitrary files via a symlink attack on the /tmp/initramfs.debug temporary file. NOTE: the vendor disputes this vulnerability, stating that "init is [used in] a single-user context; there's no possibility that this is exploitable.

Metrics

CVSS 3.1
5.5/10

CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:H/A:N

EPSS Probability
0.43%

34.7th percentile

Probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. Learn more

Weakness Enumeration

Affected Software

VendorProductVersions
DebianInitramfs-Tools0.92f

References

Timeline

Published
Last Modified
Status
Modified

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2008-4996?
init in initramfs-tools 0.92f allows local users to overwrite arbitrary files via a symlink attack on the /tmp/initramfs.debug temporary file. NOTE: the vendor disputes this vulnerability, stating that "init is [used in] a single-user context; there's no possibility that this is exploitable.
How severe is CVE-2008-4996?
CVE-2008-4996 has a CVSS score of 5.5/10 (MEDIUM severity). The EPSS model estimates a 0.43% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
How do I fix CVE-2008-4996?
Check the vendor references and advisories linked above for patched versions and mitigation guidance. You can also run a Strix scan to test if your systems are affected.

Are you affected by CVE-2008-4996?

Run a free Strix scan to check your systems for this vulnerability.

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Source: NVD / NIST