#VU96049 UNIX symbolic link following in Flatpak - CVE-2024-42472

Vulnerability identifier: #VU96049

Vulnerability risk: Low

CVSSv4.0: 5.8 [CVSS:4.0/AV:L/AC:L/AT:N/PR:L/UI:N/VC:H/VI:H/VA:N/SC:N/SI:N/SA:N/E:U/U:Clear]

CVE-ID: CVE-2024-42472

CWE-ID: CWE-61

Exploitation vector: Local

Exploit availability: No

Vulnerable software:
Flatpak
Server applications / Frameworks for developing and running applications

Vendor: Flatpak

Description

The vulnerability allows a local user to escalate privileges on the system.

The vulnerability exists due to a symlink following issue when mounting persistent directories. A local user can create a specially crafted symbolic link and escape sandbox.

Mitigation
Install updates from vendor's website.

Vulnerable software versions

Flatpak: 1.0.0 - 1.0.9, 1.1.0 - 1.15.9, 1.2.0 - 1.2.5, 1.3.0 - 1.3.4, 1.4.0 - 1.4.4, 1.5.0 - 1.5.2, 1.6.0 - 1.6.5, 1.7.1 - 1.7.3, 1.8.0 - 1.8.7, 1.9.1 - 1.9.3

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External links
https://github.com/flatpak/flatpak/releases/tag/1.15.10
https://github.com/flatpak/flatpak/releases/tag/1.14.10
https://github.com/flatpak/flatpak/security/advisories/GHSA-7hgv-f2j8-xw87

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Q & A

Can this vulnerability be exploited remotely?

No. This vulnerability can be exploited locally. The attacker should have authentication credentials and successfully authenticate on the system.

Is there known malware, which exploits this vulnerability?

No. We are not aware of malware exploiting this vulnerability.