CVE-2008-5374: bash-doc 3.2 allows local users to overwrite arbitrary files via a symlink attack on a /tmp/cb#####.? temporar

Routine

MEDIUM 6.9DOWNGRADE

CVE-2008-5374 is a medium-severity flaw (CVSS 6.9) affecting bash-doc. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

bash-doc 3.2 allows local users to overwrite arbitrary files via a symlink attack on a /tmp/cb#####.? temporary file, related to the (1) aliasconv.sh, (2) aliasconv.bash, and (3) cshtobash scripts.

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 72%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-59
Published	2008-12-08
Last modified	2026-06-16

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: matthias klose

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

matthias klose bash-doc DOWNGRADE

Affected: 3.2

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 3.2

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy bash-doc || rpm -q bash-doc || bash-doc --version

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 3.2 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison bash-doc sudo apt install bash-doc=<VERSION_BEFORE_3.2> sudo apt-mark hold bash-doc

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

dnf --showduplicates list bash-doc sudo dnf downgrade bash-doc-<VERSION_BEFORE_3.2> sudo dnf versionlock add bash-doc

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-2008-5374?

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

Is CVE-2008-5374 being exploited?

CVE-2008-5374 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-2008-5374 affect?

CVE-2008-5374 affects bash-doc. Severity is medium (CVSS 6.9). bash-doc 3.2 allows local users to overwrite arbitrary files via a symlink attack on a /tmp/cb#####.? temporary file, related to the (1) aliasconv.sh, (2) aliasconv.bash, and (3) cshtobash scripts.

How urgent is CVE-2008-5374?

Priority 31/100. No elevated risk signals yet.

References

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