Description


A logic error in the ln utility of uutils coreutils allows the utility to dereference a symbolic link target even when the --no-dereference (or -n) flag is explicitly provided. The implementation previously only honored the "no-dereference" intent if the --force (overwrite) mode was also enabled. This flaw causes ln to follow a symbolic link that points to a directory and create new links inside that target directory instead of treating the symbolic link itself as the destination. In environments where a privileged user or system script uses ln -n to update a symlink, a local attacker could manipulate existing symbolic links to redirect file creation into sensitive directories, potentially leading to unauthorized file creation or system misconfiguration.

Related CPE's


Weaknesses



CWE-61

CVSS impact metrics


CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:R/S:U/C:N/I:H/A:N

5 · Medium

Information


Source identifier

[email protected]

Vulnerability status

Analyzed

Published

2026-04-22T17:16:41.850Z

5 months ago

Last modified

2026-06-17T10:40:28.830Z

3 months ago