CVE-2008-4832: rc.sysinit in initscripts 8.12-8.21 and 8.56.15-0.1 on rPath allows local users to delete arbitrary files via

Routine

MEDIUM 6.9DOWNGRADE

CVE-2008-4832 is a medium-severity flaw (CVSS 6.9) affecting initscripts. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

rc.sysinit in initscripts 8.12-8.21 and 8.56.15-0.1 on rPath allows local users to delete arbitrary files via a symlink attack on a directory under (1) /var/lock or (2) /var/run. NOTE: this issue exists because of a race condition in an incorrect fix for CVE-2008-3524. NOTE: exploitation may require an unusual scenario in which rc.sysinit is executed other than at boot time.

Why this priority

No elevated risk signals yet

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

Risk facts

CVSS score	6.9 (Medium)
EPSS exploit chance	0.3% (top 80%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-59
Published	2008-11-17
Last modified	2026-06-16

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: rpath

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2008-11-17 23:30 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-16 22:58 UTCUpdated Record last modified

rpath initscripts DOWNGRADE

Affected: 8.12-8.21 · 8.56.15-0.1

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 8.12-8.21

1. Check installed version

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

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 8.12-8.21 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison initscripts sudo apt install initscripts=<VERSION_BEFORE_8.12-8.21> sudo apt-mark hold initscripts

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

dnf --showduplicates list initscripts sudo dnf downgrade initscripts-<VERSION_BEFORE_8.12-8.21> 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-2008-4832?

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

Is CVE-2008-4832 being exploited?

CVE-2008-4832 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-2008-4832 affect?

CVE-2008-4832 affects initscripts. Severity is medium (CVSS 6.9). rc.sysinit in initscripts 8.12-8.21 and 8.56.15-0.1 on rPath allows local users to delete arbitrary files via a symlink attack on a directory under (1) /var/lock or (2) /var/run. NOTE: this issue exists because of a race condition in an in

How urgent is CVE-2008-4832?

Priority 29/100. No elevated risk signals yet.

Related CVEs

CVE-2008-3524 MEDIUM 4.7 MITIGATE DOWNGRADE rc.sysinit in initscripts before 8.76.3-1 on Fedora 9 and other Linux platforms allows local users to delete a

References

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