CVE-2008-4966: linux-patch-openswan 2.4.12 allows local users to overwrite arbitrary files via a symlink attack on (a) /tmp/s

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MEDIUM 6.9WATCHLISTDOWNGRADE

CVE-2008-4966 is a medium-severity flaw (CVSS 6.9) affecting linux-patch-openswan. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

linux-patch-openswan 2.4.12 allows local users to overwrite arbitrary files via a symlink attack on (a) /tmp/snap##### and (b) /tmp/nightly##### temporary files, related to the (1) maysnap and (2) maytest scripts.

Why this priority

Public exploit reference
On your watchlist

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

Risk facts

CVSS score	6.9 (Medium)
EPSS exploit chance	0.4% (top 65%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-59
Published	2008-11-06
Last modified	2026-06-16

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: openswan

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2008-11-06 15:55 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-16 22:58 UTCUpdated Record last modified

openswan linux-patch-openswan DOWNGRADE

Affected: 2.4.12

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 2.4.12

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy linux-patch-openswan || rpm -q linux-patch-openswan || linux-patch-openswan --version

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 2.4.12 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison linux-patch-openswan sudo apt install linux-patch-openswan=<VERSION_BEFORE_2.4.12> sudo apt-mark hold linux-patch-openswan

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

dnf --showduplicates list linux-patch-openswan sudo dnf downgrade linux-patch-openswan-<VERSION_BEFORE_2.4.12> sudo dnf versionlock add linux-patch-openswan

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-2008-4966?

linux-patch-openswan: downgrade or apply the listed mitigation. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2008-4966 being exploited?

CVE-2008-4966 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-2008-4966 affect?

CVE-2008-4966 affects linux-patch-openswan. Severity is medium (CVSS 6.9). linux-patch-openswan 2.4.12 allows local users to overwrite arbitrary files via a symlink attack on (a) /tmp/snap##### and (b) /tmp/nightly##### temporary files, related to the (1) maysnap and (2) maytest scripts.

How urgent is CVE-2008-4966?

Priority 43/100. Public exploit reference; On your watchlist

References

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