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CVE Record

CVE-2011-1144: The installer in PEAR 1.9.2 and earlier allows local users to overwrite arbitrary files via a symlink attac...

The installer in PEAR 1.9.2 and earlier allows local users to overwrite arbitrary files via a symlink attack on the package.xml file, related to the (1) download_dir, (2) cache_dir, (3) tmp_dir, and (4) pear-build-download directories. NOTE: this vulnerability exists because of an incomplete fix for CVE-2011-1072.

UnknownCVSS not scoredNot KEV-listedUpdated
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Glexia's Takemoderate

Analyst readout for executives and security teams

Plain-English summary

CVE-2011-1144 is a local file-overwrite issue in the PEAR installer 1.9.2 and earlier. A local user could abuse symlinks around installer package files and temporary/cache directories to overwrite files the installer can write. This matters most on shared systems or when PEAR runs with elevated privileges.

Executive priority

Treat this as a targeted legacy exposure rather than an internet-wide emergency. Prioritize shared systems and privileged automation first, because the issue requires local access but may have serious consequences when installer privileges are high.

Technical view

The PEAR installer mishandles package.xml in download_dir, cache_dir, tmp_dir, and pear-build-download locations, allowing a local symlink attack that can overwrite arbitrary files. The record states this was an incomplete fix for CVE-2011-1072. No CVSS, CWE, or authoritative affected CPE data is provided.

Likely exposure

Exposure is most likely on legacy PHP systems still running PEAR 1.9.2 or earlier, especially shared hosting, developer servers, or build systems where untrusted local users can access PEAR working directories.

Exploitation context

The cited CVE describes local-user exploitation only. The source bundle does not show KEV listing, active exploitation, remote exploitation, or public weaponization details. Business impact depends on what privileges the PEAR installer has when it writes files.

Researcher notes

The record is sparse: no CVSS, CWE, CPEs, or explicit patch version are included in the bundle. Analysis should stay tied to PEAR 1.9.2 and earlier and the listed working directories. Do not infer remote reachability or active exploitation.

Mitigation direction

  • Inventory systems for PEAR 1.9.2 or earlier.
  • Check PEAR project guidance and apply the vendor-recommended fixed version.
  • Restrict local user access on systems where PEAR runs with elevated privileges.
  • Harden permissions on PEAR temporary, cache, and download directories.
  • Avoid running PEAR installer operations as privileged users where unnecessary.

Validation and detection

  • Confirm installed PEAR versions on PHP hosts and build images.
  • Review PEAR configuration for download_dir, cache_dir, and tmp_dir locations.
  • Check whether shared or untrusted local users can write near PEAR working paths.
  • Verify package installation processes do not run unnecessarily as root.
  • Document any remaining legacy PEAR usage and compensating controls.
Prepared
Confidence
medium
Sources
6

Public sources used

Based on public source material and reviewed before publication.

Potential ATT&CK relevance

Conservative CVE-to-ATT&CK context

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CVE-2011-1144 mapping review

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Vulnerability profileCVE Program record
Severity
Unknown
CVSS
Not scored
Known Exploited
No
Published
Official CVE source material

CNA and ADP enrichment extracted from CVE v5

These fields come from the CVE record and ADP containers, not from Glexia's Take. They preserve time-varying source decisions such as CISA SSVC, KEV status, CVSS metrics, and provider references.

0CVSS vectors
0Timeline events
0ADP providers
9Source links

CVSS and timeline data

No CVSS vectors or timeline events were available in the normalized CVE source material.

Source materials

Affected products

Products and packages named in the record

VendorProductVersion / packageStatus
n/an/an/aListed
Weakness

CWE details

No CWE listed

CWE links open Glexia weakness intelligence pages with official CWE context, developer remediation guidance, and related CVE mappings.