CVE-2010-0788 in ncpfs
Summary
by MITRE
ncpfs 2.2.6 allows local users to cause a denial of service, obtain sensitive information, or possibly gain privileges via symlink attacks involving the (1) ncpmount and (2) ncpumount programs.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/01/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-0788 affects the ncpfs 2.2.6 file system implementation, specifically targeting the ncpmount and ncpumount utility programs that handle network file system operations. This flaw represents a significant security concern within network file system implementations where symbolic link attacks can be exploited to manipulate system behavior. The vulnerability stems from insufficient validation of symbolic link references during file system mount and unmount operations, creating opportunities for local attackers to manipulate the system's file access patterns.
The technical implementation flaw resides in how these utilities process symbolic links when interacting with network file system resources. When ncpmount and ncpumount execute, they do not adequately verify the integrity of symbolic link targets before proceeding with file system operations. This allows attackers to create malicious symbolic links that point to sensitive system files or directories, enabling them to manipulate the normal execution flow of these utilities. The vulnerability manifests through improper handling of symbolic link resolution, where the system follows links without sufficient validation, potentially leading to unauthorized access to system resources.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends across multiple security domains including availability, confidentiality, and integrity. Local attackers can leverage this weakness to cause system denial of service by manipulating mount points to point to non-existent or malicious locations, effectively disrupting normal file system operations. Additionally, the vulnerability enables information disclosure attacks where attackers can use symbolic link manipulation to access files that should normally be restricted. In more severe cases, the flaw may allow privilege escalation, enabling attackers to gain elevated system privileges through carefully crafted symbolic link attacks that bypass normal access controls.
This vulnerability aligns with several common weakness enumerations including CWE-59 and CWE-264, which address improper handling of symbolic links and privilege escalation through file system manipulation. From an attack framework perspective, this issue maps to techniques described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under privilege escalation and defense evasion tactics. The attack vector requires local system access but provides significant operational impact, making it particularly dangerous in environments where local users may have elevated privileges or where the system is not properly secured against local threats.
Mitigation strategies should focus on implementing proper symbolic link validation mechanisms within the ncpfs utilities, ensuring that all symbolic link references are properly resolved and validated before system operations proceed. System administrators should consider upgrading to patched versions of ncpfs or implementing additional access controls and monitoring for suspicious symbolic link creation patterns. Network file system implementations should also enforce stricter validation of file system operations and implement proper sandboxing techniques to limit the impact of potential symbolic link attacks. Regular security auditing and monitoring for unauthorized symbolic link creation activities can help detect and prevent exploitation of this vulnerability in production environments.