CWE-61 - UNIX Symbolic Link (Symlink) Following
- Abstraction:Compound
- Structure:Composite
- Status:Incomplete
- Release Date:2006-07-19
- Latest Modification Date:2023-06-29
Weakness Name
UNIX Symbolic Link (Symlink) Following
Description
The product, when opening a file or directory, does not sufficiently account for when the file is a symbolic link that resolves to a target outside of the intended control sphere. This could allow an attacker to cause the product to operate on unauthorized files.
A product that allows UNIX symbolic links (symlink) as part of paths whether in internal code or through user input can allow an attacker to spoof the symbolic link and traverse the file system to unintended locations or access arbitrary files. The symbolic link can permit an attacker to read/write/corrupt a file that they originally did not have permissions to access.
Common Consequences
Scope: Confidentiality, Integrity
Impact: Read Files or Directories, Modify Files or Directories
Related Weaknesses
CWE-59Improper Link Resolution Before File Access ('Link Following')Medium
CWE-340Generation of Predictable Numbers or Identifiers
CWE-362Concurrent Execution using Shared Resource with Improper Synchronization ('Race Condition')Medium
CWE-386Symbolic Name not Mapping to Correct Object
CWE-732Incorrect Permission Assignment for Critical ResourceHigh