CVE-2014-5255: xcfa before 5.0.1 creates temporary files insecurely which could allow local users to launch a symlink attack

Q: How do I fix CVE-2014-5255?

xcfa: upgrade to 5.0.1; debian linux: mitigate or apply the listed mitigation. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Q: Is CVE-2014-5255 being exploited?

CVE-2014-5255 is not on the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities list at the time of the last update. Check again, as this can change.

Q: What does CVE-2014-5255 affect?

CVE-2014-5255 affects xcfa, debian linux. Severity is high (CVSS 7.0). xcfa before 5.0.1 creates temporary files insecurely which could allow local users to launch a symlink attack and overwrite arbitrary files. Note: A different vulnerability than CVE-2014-5254.

Q: How urgent is CVE-2014-5255?

Priority 42/100. High severity; Public exploit reference; On your watchlist

This month

HIGH 7.0WATCHLISTUPGRADEMITIGATE

CVE-2014-5255 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.0) affecting xcfa, debian linux. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

xcfa before 5.0.1 creates temporary files insecurely which could allow local users to launch a symlink attack and overwrite arbitrary files. Note: A different vulnerability than CVE-2014-5254.

Why this priority

High severity
Public exploit reference
On your watchlist

A fixed release or distro patch exists.

Risk facts

CVSS score	7.0 (High)
Attack vector	Local
Attack complexity	High
Privileges needed	Low
User interaction	None
EPSS exploit chance	0.4% (top 69%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-362
Published	2019-11-21
Last modified	2026-06-17

Publisher (CNA): Debian GNU/Linux · Vendor: debian · xcfa project

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2019-11-21 23:15 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-17 00:11 UTCUpdated Record last modified

xcfa project xcfa UPGRADE

Affected: < 5.0.1

Fixed in: 5.0.1

Safe to downgrade to: no unaffected older release

1. Check installed version

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

2. UPGRADE to 5.0.1 (Debian / Ubuntu)

sudo apt update && sudo apt install --only-upgrade xcfa

2. UPGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

sudo dnf upgrade xcfa

Note

Distros often backport fixes without changing the version number. Confirm with the distro advisory or changelog.

debian debian linux MITIGATE

Affected: 8.0 · 9.0 · 10.0

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 8.0

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-2014-5255?

xcfa: upgrade to 5.0.1; debian linux: mitigate or apply the listed mitigation. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2014-5255 being exploited?

CVE-2014-5255 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-2014-5255 affect?

CVE-2014-5255 affects xcfa, debian linux. Severity is high (CVSS 7.0). xcfa before 5.0.1 creates temporary files insecurely which could allow local users to launch a symlink attack and overwrite arbitrary files. Note: A different vulnerability than CVE-2014-5254.

How urgent is CVE-2014-5255?

Priority 42/100. High severity; Public exploit reference; On your watchlist

Software pages

Debian vulnerabilities

Related CVEs

CVE-2014-5254 MEDIUM 4.7 UPGRADE xcfa before 5.0.1 creates temporary files insecurely which could allow local users to launch a symlink attack

References

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