CVE-2009-5082

3.3 LOW 0.3% exploit odds Fix listed

What it is

The (1) configure and (2) config.guess scripts in GNU troff (aka groff) 1.20.1 on Openwall GNU/*/Linux (aka Owl) improperly create temporary files upon a failure of the mktemp function, which makes it easier for local users to overwrite arbitrary files via a symlink attack on a temporary file.

At a glance

Exploitability: Can be exploited locally on the machine without logging in. Limited direct impact.
Exploit odds: 0.3% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days (EPSS).
Fix: A patch, advisory or fixed version is referenced. Upgrade or apply it.

Timeline

2011-06-30 15:55 UTC PublishedDisclosed publicly on CVE.org and NVD
2026-06-16 23:14 UTC Last updatedMost recent change to the record

Why it ranks here

Exploited in the wild: no, CISA does not list it.
Exploit odds: 0.3% in the next 30 days (EPSS).
Severity: 3.3 LOW (CVSS).
Fix: a patch or advisory is linked.

Details

Published: 2011-06-30 15:55 UTC
Last modified: 2026-06-16 23:14 UTC
Exploit probability: 0.3% · EPSS, next 30 days
Weakness: CWE-59
Record status: Modified

Affected

Gnu Groff 1.20.1

Attack profile CVSS 2.0 · 3.3

Attack vector: Local
Complexity: Medium
Authentication: None
Confidentiality: None
Integrity: Partial
Availability: Partial

Raw vector

AV:L/AC:M/Au:N/C:N/I:P/A:P

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-2009-5082.md and follow it. Check whether this project is affected by CVE-2009-5082. 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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Fix and advisories

References

NVD record · CVE.org record