CVE-2008-4474: freeradius-dialupadmin in freeradius 2.0.4 allows local users to overwrite arbitrary files via a symlink attac

Routine

HIGH 7.2DOWNGRADE

CVE-2008-4474 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.2) affecting freeradius. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

freeradius-dialupadmin in freeradius 2.0.4 allows local users to overwrite arbitrary files via a symlink attack on temporary files in (1) backup_radacct, (2) clean_radacct, (3) monthly_tot_stats, (4) tot_stats, and (5) truncate_radacct.

Why this priority

High severity

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

Risk facts

CVSS score	7.2 (High)
EPSS exploit chance	0.4% (top 69%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-59
Published	2008-10-07
Last modified	2026-06-16

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: freeradius

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2008-10-07 21:11 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-16 22:57 UTCUpdated Record last modified

freeradius freeradius DOWNGRADE

Affected: 2.0.4

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 2.0.4

1. Check installed version

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

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 2.0.4 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison freeradius sudo apt install freeradius=<VERSION_BEFORE_2.0.4> sudo apt-mark hold freeradius

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

dnf --showduplicates list freeradius sudo dnf downgrade freeradius-<VERSION_BEFORE_2.0.4> sudo dnf versionlock add freeradius

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-2008-4474?

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

Is CVE-2008-4474 being exploited?

CVE-2008-4474 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-2008-4474 affect?

CVE-2008-4474 affects freeradius. Severity is high (CVSS 7.2). freeradius-dialupadmin in freeradius 2.0.4 allows local users to overwrite arbitrary files via a symlink attack on temporary files in (1) backup_radacct, (2) clean_radacct, (3) monthly_tot_stats, (4) tot_stats, and (5) truncate_radacct.

How urgent is CVE-2008-4474?

Priority 33/100. High severity

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References

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