Description
script command in the util-linux package before 2.11n allows local users to overwrite arbitrary files by setting a hardlink from the typescript log file to any file on the system, then having root execute the script command.
Fixed in Linux distributions
Distributions backport fixes, so the version that fixes this vulnerability differs per release — upgrade to at least the version shown. From the distributions' security trackers and advisories.
Debian
Security tracker ↗| Release | Package | Fixed in | Advisory |
|---|---|---|---|
| Debian 14 | util-linux | 2.11n-1 | — |
| Debian 13 | util-linux | 2.11n-1 | — |
| Debian 12 | util-linux | 2.11n-1 | — |
Red Hat
Security tracker ↗| Release | Package | Fixed in | Advisory |
|---|---|---|---|
| RHEL 4 | util-linux | 2.12a-16.EL4.12 | RHSA-2005:782 |
| RHEL 3 | mount +2 | 2.11y-31.11 | RHSA-2005:782 |
Advisories 1
- RHSA-2005:782 Red Hat Security Advisory: util-linux and mount security update Red Hat Security Advisories (RHSA) · Jun 26, 2026
References
- 16280 vdb-entry
- RHSA-2005:782 vendor-advisory
- 20011212 Silly 'script' hardlink bug mailing-list
- oval:org.mitre.oval:def:10723 vdb-entry signature
- 20011213 Silly 'script' hardlink bug - fixed mailing-list
- 16785 third-party-advisory
- util-linux-script-hardlink(7718) vdb-entry
- http://support.avaya.com/elmodocs2/security/ASA-2006-014.htm
- 18502 third-party-advisory