CVE-2014-4996: lib/vlad/dba/mysql.rb in the VladTheEnterprising gem 0.2 for Ruby allows local users to write to arbitrary fil

Routine

MEDIUM 5.5WATCHLISTDOWNGRADE

CVE-2014-4996 is a medium-severity flaw (CVSS 5.5) affecting vladtheenterprising. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

lib/vlad/dba/mysql.rb in the VladTheEnterprising gem 0.2 for Ruby allows local users to write to arbitrary files via a symlink attack on /tmp/my.cnf.#{target_host}.

Why this priority

On your watchlist

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

Risk facts

CVSS score	5.5 (Medium)
Attack vector	Local
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	Low
User interaction	None
EPSS exploit chance	0.4% (top 63%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-59
Published	2018-01-10
Last modified	2026-06-17

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: vladtheenterprising project

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2018-01-10 18:29 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-17 00:10 UTCUpdated Record last modified

vladtheenterprising project vladtheenterprising DOWNGRADE

Affected: 0.2.0

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 0.2.0

1. Check installed version

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

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 0.2.0 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison vladtheenterprising sudo apt install vladtheenterprising=<VERSION_BEFORE_0.2.0> sudo apt-mark hold vladtheenterprising

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

dnf --showduplicates list vladtheenterprising sudo dnf downgrade vladtheenterprising-<VERSION_BEFORE_0.2.0> sudo dnf versionlock add vladtheenterprising

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-2014-4996?

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

Is CVE-2014-4996 being exploited?

CVE-2014-4996 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-2014-4996 affect?

CVE-2014-4996 affects vladtheenterprising. Severity is medium (CVSS 5.5). lib/vlad/dba/mysql.rb in the VladTheEnterprising gem 0.2 for Ruby allows local users to write to arbitrary files via a symlink attack on /tmp/my.cnf.#{target_host}.

How urgent is CVE-2014-4996?

Priority 34/100. On your watchlist

Software pages

MySQL vulnerabilities · Ruby vulnerabilities

Related CVEs

CVE-2014-4995 HIGH 7.0 DOWNGRADE Race condition in lib/vlad/dba/mysql.rb in the VladTheEnterprising gem 0.2 for Ruby allows local users to obta

References

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