CVE-2008-1078: expn in the am-utils and net-fs packages for Gentoo, rPath Linux, and other distributions, allows local users

This month

HIGH 7.2WATCHLISTMITIGATEMITIGATE

CVE-2008-1078 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.2) affecting linux, rpath linux. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

expn in the am-utils and net-fs packages for Gentoo, rPath Linux, and other distributions, allows local users to overwrite arbitrary files via a symlink attack on the expn[PID] temporary file. NOTE: this is the same issue as CVE-2003-0308.1.

Why this priority

High severity
Public exploit reference
On your watchlist

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

Risk facts

CVSS score	7.2 (High)
EPSS exploit chance	0.5% (top 56%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-59
Published	2008-02-29
Last modified	2026-06-16

Publisher (CNA): Red Hat, Inc. · Vendor: gentoo · rpath

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2008-02-29 02:44 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-16 22:50 UTCUpdated Record last modified

gentoo linux MITIGATE

Affected: all versions

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: no unaffected older release

Check your OS release

cat /etc/os-release; uname -r

Debian / Ubuntu

sudo apt update && sudo apt full-upgrade

RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora

sudo dnf upgrade --refresh

Windows

Install the latest cumulative update from Windows Update

If no patch exists yet

OS downgrades are not safe. Apply the vendor mitigation from the advisory and restrict exposure.

rpath rpath linux MITIGATE

Affected: all versions

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: no unaffected older release

Check your OS release

cat /etc/os-release; uname -r

Debian / Ubuntu

sudo apt update && sudo apt full-upgrade

RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora

sudo dnf upgrade --refresh

Windows

Install the latest cumulative update from Windows Update

If no patch exists yet

OS downgrades are not safe. Apply the vendor mitigation from the advisory and restrict exposure.

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-2008-1078?

linux: mitigate or apply the listed mitigation; rpath linux: mitigate or apply the listed mitigation. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2008-1078 being exploited?

CVE-2008-1078 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-2008-1078 affect?

CVE-2008-1078 affects linux, rpath linux. Severity is high (CVSS 7.2). expn in the am-utils and net-fs packages for Gentoo, rPath Linux, and other distributions, allows local users to overwrite arbitrary files via a symlink attack on the expn[PID] temporary file. NOTE: this is the same issue as CVE-2003-0308.

How urgent is CVE-2008-1078?

Priority 46/100. High severity; Public exploit reference; On your watchlist

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References

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