CVE-2014-5260: The (1) mkxmltype and (2) mkdtskel scripts in XML-DT before 0.64 allow local users to overwrite arbitrary file

Q: How do I fix CVE-2014-5260?

xml-dt: upgrade to newer than 0.63. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Q: Is CVE-2014-5260 being exploited?

CVE-2014-5260 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-2014-5260 affect?

CVE-2014-5260 affects xml-dt. Severity is medium (CVSS 6.3). The (1) mkxmltype and (2) mkdtskel scripts in XML-DT before 0.64 allow local users to overwrite arbitrary files via a symlink attack on a /tmp/_xml_##### temporary file.

Q: How urgent is CVE-2014-5260?

Priority 34/100. On your watchlist

Routine

MEDIUM 6.3WATCHLISTUPGRADE

CVE-2014-5260 is a medium-severity flaw (CVSS 6.3) affecting xml-dt. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

The (1) mkxmltype and (2) mkdtskel scripts in XML-DT before 0.64 allow local users to overwrite arbitrary files via a symlink attack on a /tmp/_xml_##### temporary file.

Why this priority

On your watchlist

A fixed release or distro patch exists.

Risk facts

CVSS score	6.3 (Medium)
EPSS exploit chance	0.3% (top 71%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-59
Published	2014-08-16
Last modified	2026-06-17

Publisher (CNA): Debian GNU/Linux · Vendor: xml-dt project

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2014-08-16 04:39 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-17 00:11 UTCUpdated Record last modified

xml-dt project xml-dt UPGRADE

Affected: <= 0.63 · 0.60 · 0.61 · 0.62

Fixed in: newer than 0.63

Safe to downgrade to: no unaffected older release

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy xml-dt || rpm -q xml-dt || xml-dt --version

2. UPGRADE to newer than 0.63 (Debian / Ubuntu)

sudo apt update && sudo apt install --only-upgrade xml-dt

2. UPGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

sudo dnf upgrade xml-dt

Note

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

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-2014-5260?

xml-dt: upgrade to newer than 0.63. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2014-5260 being exploited?

CVE-2014-5260 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-2014-5260 affect?

CVE-2014-5260 affects xml-dt. Severity is medium (CVSS 6.3). The (1) mkxmltype and (2) mkdtskel scripts in XML-DT before 0.64 allow local users to overwrite arbitrary files via a symlink attack on a /tmp/_xml_##### temporary file.

How urgent is CVE-2014-5260?

Priority 34/100. On your watchlist

References

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