CVE-2004-0452

What it is

Race condition in the rmtree function in the File::Path module in Perl 5.6.1 and 5.8.4 sets read/write permissions for the world, which allows local users to delete arbitrary files and directories, and possibly read files and directories, via a symlink attack.

At a glance

Exploitability

Can be exploited locally on the machine without logging in. Limited direct impact.

Exploit odds

0.4% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days (EPSS).

Fix

A patch, advisory or fixed version is referenced. Upgrade or apply it.

Timeline

1. 2004-12-21 05:00 UTC PublishedDisclosed publicly on CVE.org and NVD
2. 2026-06-16 22:05 UTC Last updatedMost recent change to the record

Why it ranks here

• Exploited in the wild: no, CISA does not list it.
• Exploit odds: 0.4% in the next 30 days (EPSS).
• Severity: 2.6 LOW (CVSS).
• Fix: a patch or advisory is linked.

Details

Published

2004-12-21 05:00 UTC

Last modified

2026-06-16 22:05 UTC

Exploit probability

0.4% · EPSS, next 30 days

Record status

Modified

Affected

• Larry Wall Perl 5.6.1
• Larry Wall Perl 5.8.4

Attack profile CVSS 2.0 · 2.6

Attack vector

Local

Complexity

High

Authentication

None

Confidentiality

None

Integrity

Partial

Availability

Partial

Is it in your code?

Hand this to your coding agent. It searches your project for the affected products and checks versions. Nothing leaves your machine.

Read https://cve-list.com/agent/cve/CVE-2004-0452.md and follow it. Check whether this project is affected by CVE-2004-0452. Read only. Don't change anything and don't upload my code. Tell me yes, no or not sure, with the file as proof.

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