CVE-2008-5366: The postinst script in ppp 2.4.4rel on Debian GNU/Linux allows local users to overwrite arbitrary files via a

Routine

MEDIUM 6.9WATCHLISTDOWNGRADE

CVE-2008-5366 is a medium-severity flaw (CVSS 6.9) affecting ppp. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

The postinst script in ppp 2.4.4rel on Debian GNU/Linux allows local users to overwrite arbitrary files via a symlink attack on the (1) /tmp/probe-finished or (2) /tmp/ppp-errors temporary file.

Why this priority

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 68%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-59
Published	2008-12-08
Last modified	2026-06-16

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: marco d\'itri

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2008-12-08 23:30 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-16 22:59 UTCUpdated Record last modified

marco d\'itri ppp DOWNGRADE

Affected: 2.4.4

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 2.4.4

1. Check installed version

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

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 2.4.4 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison ppp sudo apt install ppp=<VERSION_BEFORE_2.4.4> sudo apt-mark hold ppp

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

dnf --showduplicates list ppp sudo dnf downgrade ppp-<VERSION_BEFORE_2.4.4> sudo dnf versionlock add ppp

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-2008-5366?

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

Is CVE-2008-5366 being exploited?

CVE-2008-5366 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-2008-5366 affect?

CVE-2008-5366 affects ppp. Severity is medium (CVSS 6.9). The postinst script in ppp 2.4.4rel on Debian GNU/Linux allows local users to overwrite arbitrary files via a symlink attack on the (1) /tmp/probe-finished or (2) /tmp/ppp-errors temporary file.

How urgent is CVE-2008-5366?

Priority 37/100. On your watchlist

Software pages

Debian vulnerabilities

Related CVEs

CVE-2022-4603 MEDIUM 4.3 UPGRADE UPGRADE A vulnerability classified as problematic has been found in ppp
CVE-2020-15704 MEDIUM 5.5 MITIGATE The modprobe child process in the ./debian/patches/load_ppp_generic_if_needed patch file incorrectly handled m

References

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