CWE-59
AllowedImproper Link Resolution Before File Access ('Link Following')
Abstraction: Base · Status: Draft
The product attempts to access a file based on the filename, but it does not properly prevent that filename from identifying a link or shortcut that resolves to an unintended resource.
1990 vulnerabilities reference this CWE, most recent first.
GHSA-MJWG-G73C-X345
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2022-05-17 05:45 – Updated: 2022-05-17 05:45The default configuration of libsdp.conf in libsdp 1.1.104 and earlier creates log files in /tmp, which allows local users to overwrite arbitrary files via a (1) symlink or (2) hard link attack on the libsdp.log.##### temporary file.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2010-4173"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-59"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2010-11-22T20:00:00Z",
"severity": "LOW"
},
"details": "The default configuration of libsdp.conf in libsdp 1.1.104 and earlier creates log files in /tmp, which allows local users to overwrite arbitrary files via a (1) symlink or (2) hard link attack on the libsdp.log.##### temporary file.",
"id": "GHSA-mjwg-g73c-x345",
"modified": "2022-05-17T05:45:54Z",
"published": "2022-05-17T05:45:54Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2010-4173"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://bugzilla.redhat.com/show_bug.cgi?id=647941"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://www.openfabrics.org/downloads/libsdp/libsdp-1.1.105-0.4.g1b9b996.tar.gz"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2010/11/16/2"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2010/11/16/7"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": []
}
GHSA-MM9P-GQVV-GR69
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2024-12-30 21:30 – Updated: 2024-12-30 21:30Panda Security Dome Link Following Local Privilege Escalation Vulnerability. This vulnerability allows local attackers to escalate privileges on affected installations of Panda Security Dome. An attacker must first obtain the ability to execute low-privileged code on the target system in order to exploit this vulnerability.
The specific flaw exists within the Hotspot Shield. By creating a junction, an attacker can abuse the application to delete arbitrary files. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to escalate privileges and execute arbitrary code in the context of SYSTEM. Was ZDI-CAN-23478.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2024-13043"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-59"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2024-12-30T21:15:06Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "Panda Security Dome Link Following Local Privilege Escalation Vulnerability. This vulnerability allows local attackers to escalate privileges on affected installations of Panda Security Dome. An attacker must first obtain the ability to execute low-privileged code on the target system in order to exploit this vulnerability.\n\nThe specific flaw exists within the Hotspot Shield. By creating a junction, an attacker can abuse the application to delete arbitrary files. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to escalate privileges and execute arbitrary code in the context of SYSTEM. Was ZDI-CAN-23478.",
"id": "GHSA-mm9p-gqvv-gr69",
"modified": "2024-12-30T21:30:47Z",
"published": "2024-12-30T21:30:47Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2024-13043"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.zerodayinitiative.com/advisories/ZDI-24-1727"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [
{
"score": "CVSS:3.0/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H",
"type": "CVSS_V3"
}
]
}
GHSA-MM9Q-52P2-75V2
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2024-11-22 21:32 – Updated: 2024-11-22 21:32Malwarebytes Antimalware Link Following Local Privilege Escalation Vulnerability. This vulnerability allows local attackers to escalate privileges on affected installations of Malwarebytes Antimalware. An attacker must first obtain the ability to execute low-privileged code on the target system in order to exploit this vulnerability.
The specific flaw exists within the Malwarebytes service. By creating a symbolic link, an attacker can abuse the service to delete a file. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to escalate privileges and execute arbitrary code in the context of SYSTEM. Was ZDI-CAN-22321.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2024-6260"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-59"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2024-11-22T20:15:12Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "Malwarebytes Antimalware Link Following Local Privilege Escalation Vulnerability. This vulnerability allows local attackers to escalate privileges on affected installations of Malwarebytes Antimalware. An attacker must first obtain the ability to execute low-privileged code on the target system in order to exploit this vulnerability.\n\nThe specific flaw exists within the Malwarebytes service. By creating a symbolic link, an attacker can abuse the service to delete a file. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to escalate privileges and execute arbitrary code in the context of SYSTEM. Was ZDI-CAN-22321.",
"id": "GHSA-mm9q-52p2-75v2",
"modified": "2024-11-22T21:32:17Z",
"published": "2024-11-22T21:32:17Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2024-6260"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.malwarebytes.com/secure/cves"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.zerodayinitiative.com/advisories/ZDI-24-1195"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [
{
"score": "CVSS:3.0/AV:L/AC:H/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H",
"type": "CVSS_V3"
}
]
}
GHSA-MM9X-PR4P-52P6
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2022-05-02 03:56 – Updated: 2022-05-02 03:56Firewall Builder 3.0.4, 3.0.5, and 3.0.6, when running on Linux, allows local users to gain privileges via a symlink attack on an unspecified temporary file that is created by the iptables script.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2009-4664"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-59"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2010-03-03T20:30:00Z",
"severity": "LOW"
},
"details": "Firewall Builder 3.0.4, 3.0.5, and 3.0.6, when running on Linux, allows local users to gain privileges via a symlink attack on an unspecified temporary file that is created by the iptables script.",
"id": "GHSA-mm9x-pr4p-52p6",
"modified": "2022-05-02T03:56:58Z",
"published": "2022-05-02T03:56:58Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2009-4664"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://bugzilla.redhat.com/show_bug.cgi?id=524588"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://exchange.xforce.ibmcloud.com/vulnerabilities/53392"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://blog.fwbuilder.org/2009/09/firewall-builder-v307-released.html"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://lists.fedoraproject.org/pipermail/package-announce/2010-February/035112.html"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://osvdb.org/58247"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://secunia.com/advisories/36809"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://www.fwbuilder.org/docs/firewall_builder_release_notes.html#3.0.7"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/36468"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://www.vupen.com/english/advisories/2010/0389"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": []
}
GHSA-MMP4-X7MG-MW3W
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2022-05-17 00:39 – Updated: 2022-05-17 00:39Red Hat Cluster Project 2.x allows local users to modify or overwrite arbitrary files via symlink attacks on files in /tmp, involving unspecified components in Resource Group Manager (aka rgmanager) before 2.03.09-1, gfs2-utils before 2.03.09-1, and CMAN - The Cluster Manager before 2.03.09-1 on Fedora 9.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2008-6552"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-59"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2009-03-30T16:30:00Z",
"severity": "MODERATE"
},
"details": "Red Hat Cluster Project 2.x allows local users to modify or overwrite arbitrary files via symlink attacks on files in /tmp, involving unspecified components in Resource Group Manager (aka rgmanager) before 2.03.09-1, gfs2-utils before 2.03.09-1, and CMAN - The Cluster Manager before 2.03.09-1 on Fedora 9.",
"id": "GHSA-mmp4-x7mg-mw3w",
"modified": "2022-05-17T00:39:08Z",
"published": "2022-05-17T00:39:08Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2008-6552"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://exchange.xforce.ibmcloud.com/vulnerabilities/46412"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://oval.cisecurity.org/repository/search/definition/oval%3Aorg.mitre.oval%3Adef%3A11404"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://osvdb.org/50299"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://osvdb.org/50300"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://osvdb.org/50301"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://rhn.redhat.com/errata/RHSA-2009-1337.html"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://secunia.com/advisories/32602"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://secunia.com/advisories/32616"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://secunia.com/advisories/36530"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://secunia.com/advisories/36555"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://secunia.com/advisories/43367"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://secunia.com/advisories/43372"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://www.redhat.com/archives/fedora-package-announce/2008-November/msg00163.html"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://www.redhat.com/archives/fedora-package-announce/2008-November/msg00164.html"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://www.redhat.com/archives/fedora-package-announce/2008-November/msg00165.html"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://www.redhat.com/support/errata/RHSA-2009-1339.html"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://www.redhat.com/support/errata/RHSA-2009-1341.html"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://www.redhat.com/support/errata/RHSA-2011-0264.html"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://www.redhat.com/support/errata/RHSA-2011-0265.html"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/32179"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://www.ubuntu.com/usn/USN-875-1"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://www.vupen.com/english/advisories/2011/0416"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://www.vupen.com/english/advisories/2011/0417"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": []
}
GHSA-MMP5-HRVP-29PP
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2024-01-16 21:31 – Updated: 2024-01-16 21:31Improper Link Resolution Before File Access ('Link Following') vulnerability in HYPR Workforce Access on Windows allows User-Controlled Filename.This issue affects Workforce Access: before 8.7.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2023-6335"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-59"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2024-01-16T20:15:45Z",
"severity": "MODERATE"
},
"details": "Improper Link Resolution Before File Access (\u0027Link Following\u0027) vulnerability in HYPR Workforce Access on Windows allows User-Controlled Filename.This issue affects Workforce Access: before 8.7.\n\n",
"id": "GHSA-mmp5-hrvp-29pp",
"modified": "2024-01-16T21:31:22Z",
"published": "2024-01-16T21:31:22Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2023-6335"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.hypr.com/security-advisories"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [
{
"score": "CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:H/PR:L/UI:N/S:C/C:N/I:H/A:L",
"type": "CVSS_V3"
}
]
}
GHSA-MMQ4-V89P-RV4M
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2022-05-24 19:05 – Updated: 2022-05-24 19:05It was discovered that read_file() in apport/hookutils.py would follow symbolic links or open FIFOs. When this function is used by the openjdk-8 package apport hooks, it could expose private data to other local users.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2021-32548"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-59"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2021-06-12T04:15:00Z",
"severity": "MODERATE"
},
"details": "It was discovered that read_file() in apport/hookutils.py would follow symbolic links or open FIFOs. When this function is used by the openjdk-8 package apport hooks, it could expose private data to other local users.",
"id": "GHSA-mmq4-v89p-rv4m",
"modified": "2022-05-24T19:05:16Z",
"published": "2022-05-24T19:05:16Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2021-32548"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://bugs.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+source/apport/+bug/1917904"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": []
}
GHSA-MMRC-237M-92X8
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2022-05-13 01:18 – Updated: 2022-05-13 01:18Information leakage vulnerability in the administrative console in Dialogic PowerMedia XMS through 3.5 allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files from the /var/ directory because a symlink exists under the web root.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2018-11637"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-59"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2018-07-03T17:29:00Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "Information leakage vulnerability in the administrative console in Dialogic PowerMedia XMS through 3.5 allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files from the /var/ directory because a symlink exists under the web root.",
"id": "GHSA-mmrc-237m-92x8",
"modified": "2022-05-13T01:18:57Z",
"published": "2022-05-13T01:18:57Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2018-11637"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://d3adend.org/blog/?p=1398"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [
{
"score": "CVSS:3.0/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:N/A:N",
"type": "CVSS_V3"
}
]
}
GHSA-MP2F-45PM-3CG9
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2026-07-06 20:27 – Updated: 2026-07-06 20:27Impact
When extracting an archive to a directory, a crafted archive can read or write files outside that directory. The flaw is in the code that writes the parsed entries, so it affects every format decompress handles: tar, tar.gz, tar.bz2, and zip by default, plus any others added through the plugins option.
A link (hardlink) or symlink entry is created without checking where its target points. A hardlink can be aimed at any file the running process can read; that file then appears inside the output directory and its contents are exposed. A symlink can point outside the output directory and redirect a later write.
The path containment check used a string prefix comparison (realPath.indexOf(outputPath) !== 0). Output /srv/out does not contain /srv/out-old, but the prefix comparison treats it as inside, so an entry can escape into a sibling directory whose name starts with the output directory name.
File modes were applied as mode & ~umask, which does not remove the setuid, setgid, or sticky bits. A crafted entry can create a setuid or setgid file. This matters when extraction runs as root, for example in CI, containers, or install scripts.
Any code that extracts archives from an untrusted or attacker-influenced source is affected. Archives are commonly downloaded before extraction, so this is reachable over the network in many setups.
Patches
Fixed in @xhmikosr/decompress 10.2.1 and 11.1.3. Link targets are now resolved and checked against the output directory, containment uses path.relative, and setuid, setgid, and sticky bits are removed.
The upstream decompress package is unmaintained, and all versions through its last release (4.2.1) have the same flaws. There is no upstream fix. Migrate to @xhmikosr/decompress 11.1.3 or later.
Workarounds
Extract only archives you trust. Run extraction as a non-root user so the mode issue cannot create a privileged file. After extracting, reject any symlink or hardlink that points outside the target and any file with unexpected mode bits.
Resources
- Related prior issue in the upstream project this package forks: CVE-2020-12265 / GHSA-qgfr-5hqp-vrw9
- Fix commits and releases:
- https://github.com/XhmikosR/decompress/releases/tag/v10.2.1
- https://github.com/XhmikosR/decompress/releases/tag/v11.1.3
- https://github.com/XhmikosR/decompress/commit/aca5aac
- https://github.com/XhmikosR/decompress/commit/281cefa
- https://github.com/XhmikosR/decompress/commit/60b5299
{
"affected": [
{
"package": {
"ecosystem": "npm",
"name": "@xhmikosr/decompress"
},
"ranges": [
{
"events": [
{
"introduced": "0"
},
{
"fixed": "10.2.1"
}
],
"type": "ECOSYSTEM"
}
]
},
{
"package": {
"ecosystem": "npm",
"name": "@xhmikosr/decompress"
},
"ranges": [
{
"events": [
{
"introduced": "11.0.0"
},
{
"fixed": "11.1.3"
}
],
"type": "ECOSYSTEM"
}
]
},
{
"package": {
"ecosystem": "npm",
"name": "decompress"
},
"ranges": [
{
"events": [
{
"introduced": "0"
},
{
"last_affected": "4.2.1"
}
],
"type": "ECOSYSTEM"
}
]
}
],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2026-53486"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-22",
"CWE-59",
"CWE-732"
],
"github_reviewed": true,
"github_reviewed_at": "2026-07-06T20:27:38Z",
"nvd_published_at": null,
"severity": "CRITICAL"
},
"details": "### Impact\n\nWhen extracting an archive to a directory, a crafted archive can read or write files outside that directory. The flaw is in the code that writes the parsed entries, so it affects every format decompress handles: tar, tar.gz, tar.bz2, and zip by default, plus any others added through the plugins option.\n\nA link (hardlink) or symlink entry is created without checking where its target points. A hardlink can be aimed at any file the running process can read; that file then appears inside the output directory and its contents are exposed. A symlink can point outside the output directory and redirect a later write.\n\nThe path containment check used a string prefix comparison (`realPath.indexOf(outputPath) !== 0`). Output `/srv/out` does not contain `/srv/out-old`, but the prefix comparison treats it as inside, so an entry can escape into a sibling directory whose name starts with the output directory name.\n\nFile modes were applied as `mode \u0026 ~umask`, which does not remove the setuid, setgid, or sticky bits. A crafted entry can create a setuid or setgid file. This matters when extraction runs as root, for example in CI, containers, or install scripts.\n\nAny code that extracts archives from an untrusted or attacker-influenced source is affected. Archives are commonly downloaded before extraction, so this is reachable over the network in many setups.\n\n### Patches\n\nFixed in `@xhmikosr/decompress` 10.2.1 and 11.1.3. Link targets are now resolved and checked against the output directory, containment uses `path.relative`, and setuid, setgid, and sticky bits are removed.\n\nThe upstream `decompress` package is unmaintained, and all versions through its last release (4.2.1) have the same flaws. There is no upstream fix. Migrate to `@xhmikosr/decompress` 11.1.3 or later.\n\n### Workarounds\n\nExtract only archives you trust. Run extraction as a non-root user so the mode issue cannot create a privileged file. After extracting, reject any symlink or hardlink that points outside the target and any file with unexpected mode bits.\n\n### Resources\n\n* Related prior issue in the upstream project this package forks: CVE-2020-12265 / GHSA-qgfr-5hqp-vrw9\n* Fix commits and releases:\n * https://github.com/XhmikosR/decompress/releases/tag/v10.2.1\n * https://github.com/XhmikosR/decompress/releases/tag/v11.1.3\n * https://github.com/XhmikosR/decompress/commit/aca5aac\n * https://github.com/XhmikosR/decompress/commit/281cefa\n * https://github.com/XhmikosR/decompress/commit/60b5299",
"id": "GHSA-mp2f-45pm-3cg9",
"modified": "2026-07-06T20:27:38Z",
"published": "2026-07-06T20:27:38Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://github.com/XhmikosR/decompress/security/advisories/GHSA-mp2f-45pm-3cg9"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://github.com/XhmikosR/decompress/commit/281cefa"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://github.com/XhmikosR/decompress/commit/60b5299"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://github.com/XhmikosR/decompress/commit/aca5aac"
},
{
"type": "PACKAGE",
"url": "https://github.com/XhmikosR/decompress"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [
{
"score": "CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:N",
"type": "CVSS_V3"
}
],
"summary": "Decompress: Archive extraction can create files and links outside of the target directory"
}
GHSA-MP94-HXV8-MXQ5
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2026-05-21 15:34 – Updated: 2026-05-21 15:34A link following vulnerability in the Trend Micro Apex One scan engine could allow a local attacker to escalate privileges on affected installations.
Please note: an attacker must first obtain the ability to execute low-privileged code on the target system in order to exploit this vulnerability.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2025-71212"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-59"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2026-05-21T14:16:43Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "A link following vulnerability in the Trend Micro Apex One scan engine could allow a local attacker to escalate privileges on affected installations.\n\nPlease note: an attacker must first obtain the ability to execute low-privileged code on the target system in order to exploit this vulnerability.",
"id": "GHSA-mp94-hxv8-mxq5",
"modified": "2026-05-21T15:34:09Z",
"published": "2026-05-21T15:34:09Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2025-71212"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://success.trendmicro.com/en-US/solution/KA-0022458"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.zerodayinitiative.com/advisories/ZDI-26-138"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [
{
"score": "CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H",
"type": "CVSS_V3"
}
]
}
Mitigation MIT-48.1
Strategy: Separation of Privilege
- Follow the principle of least privilege when assigning access rights to entities in a software system.
- Denying access to a file can prevent an attacker from replacing that file with a link to a sensitive file. Ensure good compartmentalization in the system to provide protected areas that can be trusted.
CAPEC-132: Symlink Attack
An adversary positions a symbolic link in such a manner that the targeted user or application accesses the link's endpoint, assuming that it is accessing a file with the link's name.
CAPEC-17: Using Malicious Files
An attack of this type exploits a system's configuration that allows an adversary to either directly access an executable file, for example through shell access; or in a possible worst case allows an adversary to upload a file and then execute it. Web servers, ftp servers, and message oriented middleware systems which have many integration points are particularly vulnerable, because both the programmers and the administrators must be in synch regarding the interfaces and the correct privileges for each interface.
CAPEC-35: Leverage Executable Code in Non-Executable Files
An attack of this type exploits a system's trust in configuration and resource files. When the executable loads the resource (such as an image file or configuration file) the attacker has modified the file to either execute malicious code directly or manipulate the target process (e.g. application server) to execute based on the malicious configuration parameters. Since systems are increasingly interrelated mashing up resources from local and remote sources the possibility of this attack occurring is high.
CAPEC-76: Manipulating Web Input to File System Calls
An attacker manipulates inputs to the target software which the target software passes to file system calls in the OS. The goal is to gain access to, and perhaps modify, areas of the file system that the target software did not intend to be accessible.