CVE-2014-4038: ppc64-diag 2.6.1 allows local users to overwrite arbitrary files via a symlink attack related to (1) rtas_errd

Routine

MEDIUM 4.4WATCHLISTMITIGATEDOWNGRADEMITIGATE

CVE-2014-4038 is a medium-severity flaw (CVSS 4.4) affecting linux enterprise server, ppc64-diag, enterprise linux server. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

ppc64-diag 2.6.1 allows local users to overwrite arbitrary files via a symlink attack related to (1) rtas_errd/diag_support.c and /tmp/get_dt_files, (2) scripts/ppc64_diag_mkrsrc and /tmp/diagSEsnap/snapH.tar.gz, or (3) lpd/test/lpd_ela_test.sh and /var/tmp/ras.

Why this priority

On your watchlist

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

Risk facts

CVSS score	4.4 (Medium)
EPSS exploit chance	0.4% (top 71%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-59
Published	2014-06-17
Last modified	2026-06-17

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: ppc64-diag project · redhat · suse

Last updated 2026-06-17 · Sources: CVE Program, NVD, CISA KEV, EPSS and vendor advisories · How we score

Am I affected?

Timeline

2014-06-17 15:55 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-17 00:09 UTCUpdated Record last modified

suse linux enterprise server MITIGATE

Affected: 11 sp3

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 11

Check your OS release

cat /etc/os-release; uname -r

Debian / Ubuntu

sudo apt update && sudo apt full-upgrade

RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora

sudo dnf upgrade --refresh

Windows

Install the latest cumulative update from Windows Update

If no patch exists yet

OS downgrades are not safe. Apply the vendor mitigation from the advisory and restrict exposure.

ppc64-diag project ppc64-diag DOWNGRADE

Affected: 2.6.1

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 2.6.1

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy ppc64-diag || rpm -q ppc64-diag || ppc64-diag --version

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 2.6.1 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison ppc64-diag sudo apt install ppc64-diag=<VERSION_BEFORE_2.6.1> sudo apt-mark hold ppc64-diag

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

dnf --showduplicates list ppc64-diag sudo dnf downgrade ppc64-diag-<VERSION_BEFORE_2.6.1> sudo dnf versionlock add ppc64-diag

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.

redhat enterprise linux server MITIGATE

Affected: 6.0 · 7.0

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 6.0

Check your OS release

cat /etc/os-release; uname -r

Debian / Ubuntu

sudo apt update && sudo apt full-upgrade

RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora

sudo dnf upgrade --refresh

Windows

Install the latest cumulative update from Windows Update

If no patch exists yet

OS downgrades are not safe. Apply the vendor mitigation from the advisory and restrict exposure.

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-2014-4038?

linux enterprise server: mitigate or apply the listed mitigation; ppc64-diag: downgrade or apply the listed mitigation; enterprise linux server: mitigate or apply the listed mitigation. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2014-4038 being exploited?

CVE-2014-4038 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-2014-4038 affect?

CVE-2014-4038 affects linux enterprise server, ppc64-diag, enterprise linux server. Severity is medium (CVSS 4.4). ppc64-diag 2.6.1 allows local users to overwrite arbitrary files via a symlink attack related to (1) rtas_errd/diag_support.c and /tmp/get_dt_files, (2) scripts/ppc64_diag_mkrsrc and /tmp/diagSEsnap/snapH.tar.gz, or (3) lpd/test/lpd_ela_tes

How urgent is CVE-2014-4038?

Priority 28/100. On your watchlist

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References

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