CVE-2004-0452: Race condition in the rmtree function in the File::Path module in Perl 5.6.1 and 5.8.4 sets read/write permiss

Routine

LOW 2.6DOWNGRADE

CVE-2004-0452 is a low-severity flaw (CVSS 2.6) affecting perl. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

Race condition in the rmtree function in the File::Path module in Perl 5.6.1 and 5.8.4 sets read/write permissions for the world, which allows local users to delete arbitrary files and directories, and possibly read files and directories, via a symlink attack.

Why this priority

No elevated risk signals yet

No fix is published yet: follow the downgrade or mitigation steps.

Risk facts

CVSS score	2.6 (Low)
EPSS exploit chance	0.4% (top 66%)
CISA exploited list	No
Published	2004-12-21
Last modified	2026-06-16

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: larry wall

Last updated 2026-06-16 · Sources: CVE Program, NVD, CISA KEV, EPSS and vendor advisories · How we score

Am I affected?

Timeline

2004-12-21 05:00 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-16 22:05 UTCUpdated Record last modified

larry wall perl DOWNGRADE

Affected: 5.6.1 · 5.8.4

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 5.6.1

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy perl || rpm -q perl || perl --version

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 5.6.1 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison perl sudo apt install perl=<VERSION_BEFORE_5.6.1> sudo apt-mark hold perl

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

dnf --showduplicates list perl sudo dnf downgrade perl-<VERSION_BEFORE_5.6.1> sudo dnf versionlock add perl

Downgrade risk

Downgrading can break dependent software and may reopen older bugs. Read the distro advisory first and test on a non-production host.

After downgrade

Restart the service, and keep the package held until a fixed release ships.

Verify at the official source NVD · CVE Program · Report a problem with this page
Scores and fixes here are computed automatically from those and other public sources. Confirm with the vendor advisory before changing production systems.

Quick answers

How do I fix CVE-2004-0452?

perl: downgrade or apply the listed mitigation. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2004-0452 being exploited?

CVE-2004-0452 is not on the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities list at the time of the last update. Check again, as this can change.

What does CVE-2004-0452 affect?

CVE-2004-0452 affects perl. Severity is low (CVSS 2.6). Race condition in the rmtree function in the File::Path module in Perl 5.6.1 and 5.8.4 sets read/write permissions for the world, which allows local users to delete arbitrary files and directories, and possibly read files and directories, v

How urgent is CVE-2004-0452?

Priority 18/100. No elevated risk signals yet.

Software pages

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References

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