CVE-2025-3908: The configuration initialization tool in OpenVPN 3 Linux v20 through v24 on Linux allows a local attacker to u

Routine

MEDIUM 6.2WATCHLISTUPGRADE

CVE-2025-3908 is a medium-severity flaw (CVSS 6.2) affecting openvpn3linux. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

The configuration initialization tool in OpenVPN 3 Linux v20 through v24 on Linux allows a local attacker to use symlinks pointing at an arbitrary directory which will change the ownership and permissions of that destination directory.

Why this priority

On your watchlist

A fixed release or distro patch exists.

Risk facts

CVSS score	6.2 (Medium)
Attack vector	Local
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	None
User interaction	None
EPSS exploit chance	0.2% (top 88%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-59
Published	2025-05-19
Last modified	2026-06-17

Publisher (CNA): OpenVPN Inc. · Vendor: openvpn

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2025-05-19 15:15 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-17 09:20 UTCUpdated Record last modified

openvpn openvpn3linux UPGRADE

Affected: >= 20 and <= 24

Fixed in: newer than 24

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 20

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy openvpn3linux || rpm -q openvpn3linux || openvpn3linux --version

2. UPGRADE to newer than 24 (Debian / Ubuntu)

sudo apt update && sudo apt install --only-upgrade openvpn3linux

2. UPGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

sudo dnf upgrade openvpn3linux

Note

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

3. If no update is available yet, DOWNGRADE to a release before 20 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison openvpn3linux sudo apt install openvpn3linux=<VERSION_BEFORE_20> sudo apt-mark hold openvpn3linux

3. If no update is available yet, DOWNGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

dnf --showduplicates list openvpn3linux sudo dnf downgrade openvpn3linux-<VERSION_BEFORE_20> sudo dnf versionlock add openvpn3linux

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-2025-3908?

openvpn3linux: upgrade to newer than 24. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2025-3908 being exploited?

CVE-2025-3908 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-2025-3908 affect?

CVE-2025-3908 affects openvpn3linux. Severity is medium (CVSS 6.2). The configuration initialization tool in OpenVPN 3 Linux v20 through v24 on Linux allows a local attacker to use symlinks pointing at an arbitrary directory which will change the ownership and permissions of that destination directory.

How urgent is CVE-2025-3908?

Priority 30/100. On your watchlist

Software pages

OpenVPN vulnerabilities

References

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