CVE-2008-6397: rlatex in AlcoveBook sgml2x 1.0.0 allows local users to overwrite arbitrary files via a symlink attack on temp

Routine

MEDIUM 4.4DOWNGRADE

CVE-2008-6397 is a medium-severity flaw (CVSS 4.4) affecting sgml2x. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

rlatex in AlcoveBook sgml2x 1.0.0 allows local users to overwrite arbitrary files via a symlink attack on temporary files.

Why this priority

No elevated risk signals yet

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

Risk facts

CVSS score	4.4 (Medium)
EPSS exploit chance	0.3% (top 79%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-59
Published	2009-03-04
Last modified	2026-06-16

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: alcovebook

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2009-03-04 17:30 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-16 23:02 UTCUpdated Record last modified

alcovebook sgml2x DOWNGRADE

Affected: 1.0.0

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 1.0.0

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy sgml2x || rpm -q sgml2x || sgml2x --version

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 1.0.0 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison sgml2x sudo apt install sgml2x=<VERSION_BEFORE_1.0.0> sudo apt-mark hold sgml2x

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

dnf --showduplicates list sgml2x sudo dnf downgrade sgml2x-<VERSION_BEFORE_1.0.0> sudo dnf versionlock add sgml2x

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-2008-6397?

sgml2x: downgrade or apply the listed mitigation. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2008-6397 being exploited?

CVE-2008-6397 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-2008-6397 affect?

CVE-2008-6397 affects sgml2x. Severity is medium (CVSS 4.4). rlatex in AlcoveBook sgml2x 1.0.0 allows local users to overwrite arbitrary files via a symlink attack on temporary files.

How urgent is CVE-2008-6397?

Priority 21/100. No elevated risk signals yet.

References

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