Filenames File names on various operating systems including Windows and UNIX may be used to access "special" files which are actually devices. Sample reserved MS-DOS device names include AUX, CON, PRN, COM1, and LPT1. Device files on UNIX systems are used to apply access rights and to direct operations on the files to the appropriate device drivers.
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Device files in UNIX can be a major security hazardrisk when an attacker is able to access them in an unauthorized way. For instance, if attackers can read or write to the {{/dev/kmem}} device, they may be able to alter their priority, UID, or other attributes of their process or simply crash the system. Similarly, access to disk devices, tape devices, network devices, and terminals being used by others all can lead to problems \[[Garfinkel 96|AA. C References#Garfinkel 96]\]. |
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