How severe is CVE-2009-5079?

CVE-2009-5079 has a CVSS 2.0 base score of 3.3, rated low severity.

Is CVE-2009-5079 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (22nd percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2009-5079?

CVE-2009-5079 primarily affects Gnu Groff. In total, 16 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.

How do I fix CVE-2009-5079?

Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround.

When was CVE-2009-5079 published?

CVE-2009-5079 was published on 2011-06-30 and last updated on 2026-06-16.

CVE-2009-5079

CVE-2009-5079 is a low-severity vulnerability in Gnu Groff with a CVSS 2.0 base score of 3.3. 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: Low (CVSS 2.0 base score 3.3)
EPSS exploit prediction: 0% (22nd percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Weakness: CWE-59
Affected product: Gnu Groff
Published: 2011-06-30
Last modified: 2026-06-16

Description

The (1) gendef.sh, (2) doc/fixinfo.sh, and (3) contrib/gdiffmk/tests/runtests.in scripts in GNU troff (aka groff) 1.21 and earlier allow local users to overwrite arbitrary files via a symlink attack on a gro#####.tmp or /tmp/##### temporary file.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2009-5079?: The (1) gendef.sh, (2) doc/fixinfo.sh, and (3) contrib/gdiffmk/tests/runtests.in scripts in GNU troff (aka groff) 1.21 and earlier allow local users to overwrite arbitrary files via a symlink attack on a gro#####.tmp or /tmp/##### temporary file.
How severe is CVE-2009-5079?: CVE-2009-5079 has a CVSS 2.0 base score of 3.3, rated low severity.
Is CVE-2009-5079 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (22nd percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2009-5079?: CVE-2009-5079 primarily affects Gnu Groff. In total, 16 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.
How do I fix CVE-2009-5079?: Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround.
When was CVE-2009-5079 published?: CVE-2009-5079 was published on 2011-06-30 and last updated on 2026-06-16.

References

Affected products (16)

cpe:2.3:a:gnu:groff:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:gnu:groff:1.10:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:gnu:groff:1.11:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:gnu:groff:1.11a:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:gnu:groff:1.14:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:gnu:groff:1.15:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:gnu:groff:1.16:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:gnu:groff:1.16.1:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:gnu:groff:1.17.1:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:gnu:groff:1.17.2:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:gnu:groff:1.18.1:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:gnu:groff:1.19:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:gnu:groff:1.19.1:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:gnu:groff:1.19.2:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:gnu:groff:1.20:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:gnu:groff:1.20.1:*:*:*:*:*:*:*

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