CVE-2008-5394

Name: CVE-2008-5394
Creator: NVD / NIST
Published: 2008-12-09T00:30:00.517+00:00
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/

UnknownEPSS 0.95%

Last modified Jun 16, 2026

CVE-2008-5394 is a vulnerability of currently unknown severity. /bin/login in shadow 4.0.18.1 in Debian GNU/Linux, and probably other Linux distributions, allows local users in the utmp group to overwrite arbitrary files via a symlink attack on a temporary file referenced in a line (aka ut_line) field in a utmp entry.. EPSS estimates a 0.95% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days.

Description

/bin/login in shadow 4.0.18.1 in Debian GNU/Linux, and probably other Linux distributions, allows local users in the utmp group to overwrite arbitrary files via a symlink attack on a temporary file referenced in a line (aka ut_line) field in a utmp entry.

Metrics

EPSS Probability

0.95%

56.7th percentile

Probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. Learn more

Weakness Enumeration

CWE-59

Affected Software

Vendor	Product	Versions
Debian	Shadow	4.0.18.1

References

Timeline

Published: Dec 9, 2008
Last Modified: Jun 16, 2026
Status: Modified

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2008-5394?

How severe is CVE-2008-5394?

Severity scoring for CVE-2008-5394 is pending analysis. The EPSS model estimates a 0.95% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

How do I fix CVE-2008-5394?

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-2008-5394?

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

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Source: NVD / NIST