CVE-2009-5082: Low severity groff vulnerability

Published Jun 30, 2011
·
Updated

The (1) configure and (2) config.guess scripts in GNU troff (aka groff) 1.20.1 on Openwall GNU//Linux (aka Owl) improperly create temporary files upon a failure of the mktemp function, which makes it easier for local users to overwrite arbitrary files via a symlink attack on a temporary file.

Affected Software

2 affected components
GNU groff=1.20.1
Openwall Owl

Event History

Jun 30, 2011
CVE Published
via MITRE·03:26 PM
Data Sourced
via MITRE·03:26 PM
Description
Data Sourced
03:55 PM
DescriptionWeaknessAffected Software

Frequently Asked Questions

1

What is the severity of CVE-2009-5082?

CVE-2009-5082 is considered a moderate severity vulnerability due to its potential for local user exploitation via a symlink attack.

2

How do I fix CVE-2009-5082?

To fix CVE-2009-5082, ensure you update to a patched version of GNU troff later than 1.20.1 that mitigates the symlink vulnerability.

3

What systems are affected by CVE-2009-5082?

CVE-2009-5082 affects GNU troff version 1.20.1 when deployed on Openwall GNU/*/Linux systems.

4

What type of attack does CVE-2009-5082 enable?

CVE-2009-5082 enables a local symlink attack, allowing users to overwrite arbitrary files.

5

Who can exploit CVE-2009-5082?

Any local user with access to the system running the affected version of GNU troff can exploit CVE-2009-5082.

Contact

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