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CVE-2008-4996

5.5 · MEDIUM

init in initramfs-tools 0.92f allows local users to overwrite arbitrary files via a symlink attack on the /tmp/initramfs.debug temporary file.

Published Nov 7, 2008debianCWE-59EPSS 0.43%

Overview

CVE-2008-4996 is a medium-severity vulnerability affecting debian initramfs-tools. It was published on November 7, 2008 and has a CVSS 3.1 base score of 5.5 (MEDIUM).

This vulnerability has a CVSS 3.1 base score of 5.5, rated MEDIUM. It requires local or adjacent network access to exploit. Some level of privileges is required for exploitation.

Technical 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.

Remediation

Check the references section for vendor advisories and patches from debian. Update initramfs-tools to the latest patched version. If immediate patching is not possible, review the CVSS vector to understand the attack surface and apply compensating controls such as network segmentation or access restrictions.

Affected products

VendorProductVersionsStatus

References

Refbugs.debian.org/496386Refdev.gentoo.org/~rbu/security/debiantemp/initramfs-toolsRefwww.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2008/10/30/2Refbugs.gentoo.org/show_bug.cgi?id=235770Refbugs.debian.org/496386Refdev.gentoo.org/~rbu/security/debiantemp/initramfs-toolsRefwww.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2008/10/30/2Refbugs.gentoo.org/show_bug.cgi?id=235770

How CyberStrike helps

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2008-4996?

CVE-2008-4996 is a medium-severity vulnerability affecting debian initramfs-tools. It was published on November 7, 2008 and has a CVSS 3.1 base score of 5.5 (MEDIUM).

How severe is CVE-2008-4996?

This vulnerability has a CVSS 3.1 base score of 5.5, rated MEDIUM. It requires local or adjacent network access to exploit. Some level of privileges is required for exploitation.

How do I fix or remediate CVE-2008-4996?

Check the references section for vendor advisories and patches from debian. Update initramfs-tools to the latest patched version. If immediate patching is not possible, review the CVSS vector to understand the attack surface and apply compensating controls such as network segmentation or access restrictions.

How can CyberStrike help with CVE-2008-4996?

CyberStrike is an open-source, AI-augmented pentesting engine. Rather than flag a version number, it tests whether an issue like CVE-2008-4996 is actually reachable in your own applications and APIs, then verifies each finding before reporting it. That tells you if the weakness is a real, exploitable risk in your environment or a false positive you can safely deprioritize.

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