Red Hat Automatic Bug Reporting Tool Privilege Escalation
CVE-2015-5287 is a high-severity improper link resolution before file access vulnerability in Automatic Bug Reporting Tool from Red Hat, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.8 out of 10. It can be exploited with local access to the system by an attacker with a low-privileged account, without any action from a user. Affected Automatic Bug Reporting Tool versions: 2.7.0 and earlier. The record does not name a fixed version, so check the vendor advisory. CISA added it to the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalogue on August 26, 2026, which means attacks have been observed in the wild.
Attackers are already exploiting this vulnerability, according to CISA.
What to do
- Check which version of Automatic Bug Reporting Tool you run against the affected versions below, and install the vendor's latest release.
- CISA's required action: Apply mitigations in accordance with vendor instructions, ensuring compliance with CISA’s BOD 26-04 Prioritizing Security Updates Based on Risk (see URL in Notes) guidance and CISA’s “Forensics Triage Requirements” (see URL in Notes). Follow applicable BOD 26-04 guidance for cloud services or discontinue use of the product if mitigations are unavailable. Stakeholders are responsible for evaluating each asset's internet exposure and ensuring adherence to BOD 26-04 patching guidelines.
- Read the advisory on rhn.redhat.com for workarounds and exact fixed builds.
Affected products and versions
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Red Hat | Automatic Bug Reporting Tool | 2.7.0 and earlier | Not stated |
| Oracle | Linux | 7 | Not stated |
| Red Hat | Enterprise Linux | 6.0; 7.0 | Not stated |
| Red Hat | Enterprise Linux Desktop | 7.0 | Not stated |
| Red Hat | Enterprise Linux Hpc Node | 7.0 | Not stated |
| Red Hat | Enterprise Linux Server | 7.0 | Not stated |
| Red Hat | Enterprise Linux Workstation | 7.0 | Not stated |
Version data comes from NVD's product matching. Confirm against the vendor advisory before deciding you are unaffected.
How the severity score breaks down
- Attack vector
- LocalThe attacker needs local access or must trick a user into running something.
- Attack complexity
- LowNo special conditions are needed; the attack works reliably.
- Privileges required
- LowA basic user account is enough.
- User interaction
- NoneNo action by a victim is required.
- Scope
- UnchangedImpact stays within the vulnerable component.
- Confidentiality
- HighAll data handled by the component can be read.
- Integrity
- HighData or code can be modified at will.
- Availability
- HighThe component can be taken down completely.
Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H. Scored by NVD.
| Scoring system | Score | Severity | Scored by |
|---|---|---|---|
| CVSS 3.1 | 7.8 | High | NVD |
| CVSS 3.1 | 7.8 | High | CISA (ADP) |
| CVSS 2.0 | 6.9 | Medium | NVD |
Official description
The abrt-hook-ccpp help program in Automatic Bug Reporting Tool (ABRT) before 2.7.1 allows local users with certain permissions to gain privileges via a symlink attack on a file with a predictable name, as demonstrated by /var/tmp/abrt/abrt-hax-coredump or /var/spool/abrt/abrt-hax-coredump.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Improper Link Resolution Before File Access
The product attempts to access a file based on the filename, but it does not properly prevent that filename from identifying a link or shortcut that resolves to an unintended resource.
How developers prevent this class of flaw
- Follow the principle of least privilege when assigning access rights to entities in a software system. Denying access to a file can prevent an attacker from replacing that file with a link to a sensitive file. Ensure good compartmentalization in the system to provide protected areas that can be trusted.
More Improper Link Resolution Before File Access vulnerabilities (CWE-59)
Timeline
- CVE record published.
- CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: active, automatable: no, technical impact: total).
- Added to CISA's Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalogue.
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
- Deadline for US federal agencies to remediate, set by CISA.
References
Patches and release notes
Third-party and government advisories
- packetstormsecurity.com/files/154592/ABRT-sosreport-Privilege-Escalation.htmlThird Party Advisory
- oracle.com/technetwork/topics/security/linuxbulletinoct2015-2719645.htmlThird Party Advisory
- securityfocus.com/bid/78137Third Party Advisory
- exploit-db.com/exploits/38832/Mailing List, Third Party Advisory
- blog.talosintelligence.com/uat-10147-chinese-speaking-adversary-integrates-agentic-ai-into-post-compromise-op…Third Party Advisory
- cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog?field_cve=CVE-2015-5287Third Party Advisory, US Government Resource
Technical write-ups (may include proof of concept)
Other vulnerabilities in Automatic Bug Reporting Tool
- 7.8 High severity
Recent Improper Link Resolution Before File Access vulnerabilities
- 7.8 High severity
Apple OS X Authentication Bypass Exploited
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