How severe is CVE-2008-1078?

CVE-2008-1078 has a CVSS 2.0 base score of 7.2, rated high severity.

Is CVE-2008-1078 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 1% (40th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2008-1078?

CVE-2008-1078 primarily affects Gentoo Linux. In total, 2 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.

How do I fix CVE-2008-1078?

Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its high severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.

When was CVE-2008-1078 published?

CVE-2008-1078 was published on 2008-02-29 and last updated on 2026-06-16.

CVE-2008-1078

CVE-2008-1078 is a high-severity vulnerability in Gentoo Linux with a CVSS 2.0 base score of 7.2. It is not currently listed as actively exploited by CISA, and its EPSS exploit-prediction score is low. The underlying weakness is classified as CWE-59.

Key facts

Severity: High (CVSS 2.0 base score 7.2)
EPSS exploit prediction: 1% (40th percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Weakness: CWE-59
Affected product: Gentoo Linux
Published: 2008-02-29
Last modified: 2026-06-16

Description

expn in the am-utils and net-fs packages for Gentoo, rPath Linux, and other distributions, allows local users to overwrite arbitrary files via a symlink attack on the expn[PID] temporary file. NOTE: this is the same issue as CVE-2003-0308.1.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2008-1078?: expn in the am-utils and net-fs packages for Gentoo, rPath Linux, and other distributions, allows local users to overwrite arbitrary files via a symlink attack on the expn[PID] temporary file. NOTE: this is the same issue as CVE-2003-0308.1.
How severe is CVE-2008-1078?: CVE-2008-1078 has a CVSS 2.0 base score of 7.2, rated high severity.
Is CVE-2008-1078 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 1% (40th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2008-1078?: CVE-2008-1078 primarily affects Gentoo Linux. In total, 2 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.
How do I fix CVE-2008-1078?: Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its high severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.
When was CVE-2008-1078 published?: CVE-2008-1078 was published on 2008-02-29 and last updated on 2026-06-16.

References

Affected products (2)

cpe:2.3:o:gentoo:linux:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:rpath:rpath_linux:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*

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