CVE-2008-3524: rc.sysinit in initscripts before 8.76.3-1 on Fedora 9 and other Linux platforms allows local users to delete a

Routine

MEDIUM 4.7WATCHLISTMITIGATEDOWNGRADE

CVE-2008-3524 is a medium-severity flaw (CVSS 4.7) affecting fedora, initscripts. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

rc.sysinit in initscripts before 8.76.3-1 on Fedora 9 and other Linux platforms allows local users to delete arbitrary files via a symlink attack on a file or directory under (1) /var/lock or (2) /var/run.

Why this priority

On your watchlist

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

Risk facts

CVSS score	4.7 (Medium)
EPSS exploit chance	0.3% (top 72%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-59
Published	2008-09-29
Last modified	2026-06-16

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

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2008-09-29 17:17 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-16 22:55 UTCUpdated Record last modified

redhat fedora MITIGATE

Affected: 9

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 9

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.

redhat initscripts DOWNGRADE

Affected: 8.76.3

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 8.76.3

1. Check installed version

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

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 8.76.3 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison initscripts sudo apt install initscripts=<VERSION_BEFORE_8.76.3> sudo apt-mark hold initscripts

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

dnf --showduplicates list initscripts sudo dnf downgrade initscripts-<VERSION_BEFORE_8.76.3> sudo dnf versionlock add initscripts

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-2008-3524?

fedora: mitigate or apply the listed mitigation; initscripts: downgrade or apply the listed mitigation. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2008-3524 being exploited?

CVE-2008-3524 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-2008-3524 affect?

CVE-2008-3524 affects fedora, initscripts. Severity is medium (CVSS 4.7). rc.sysinit in initscripts before 8.76.3-1 on Fedora 9 and other Linux platforms allows local users to delete arbitrary files via a symlink attack on a file or directory under (1) /var/lock or (2) /var/run.

How urgent is CVE-2008-3524?

Priority 29/100. On your watchlist

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References

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