CVE-2005-3342: noweb 2.10c and earlier allows local users to overwrite arbitrary files via symlink attacks on temporary files

Routine

LOW 1.2WATCHLISTDOWNGRADE

CVE-2005-3342 is a low-severity flaw (CVSS 1.2) affecting noweb. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

noweb 2.10c and earlier allows local users to overwrite arbitrary files via symlink attacks on temporary files in (1) lib/toascii.nw and (2) shell/roff.mm.

Why this priority

On your watchlist

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

Risk facts

CVSS score	1.2 (Low)
EPSS exploit chance	0.4% (top 71%)
CISA exploited list	No
Published	2005-12-31
Last modified	2026-06-16

Publisher (CNA): Debian GNU/Linux · Vendor: norman ramsey

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2005-12-31 05:00 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-16 22:16 UTCUpdated Record last modified

norman ramsey noweb DOWNGRADE

Affected: 2.9a · 2.10c

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 2.9a

1. Check installed version

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

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 2.9a (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison noweb sudo apt install noweb=<VERSION_BEFORE_2.9a> sudo apt-mark hold noweb

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

dnf --showduplicates list noweb sudo dnf downgrade noweb-<VERSION_BEFORE_2.9a> sudo dnf versionlock add noweb

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-2005-3342?

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

Is CVE-2005-3342 being exploited?

CVE-2005-3342 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-2005-3342 affect?

CVE-2005-3342 affects noweb. Severity is low (CVSS 1.2). noweb 2.10c and earlier allows local users to overwrite arbitrary files via symlink attacks on temporary files in (1) lib/toascii.nw and (2) shell/roff.mm.

How urgent is CVE-2005-3342?

Priority 16/100. On your watchlist

Related CVEs

CVE-2003-0381 LOW 2.1 UPGRADE Multiple vulnerabilities in noweb 2.9 and earlier creates temporary files insecurely, which allows local users

References

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