A libxfont security update has been released for Debian GNU/Linux 9 LTS to address an issue where a local attacker can open (but not read) local files as user root.

DLA 2901-1: libxfont security update

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Debian LTS Advisory DLA-2901-1 debian-lts@lists.debian.org
  https://www.debian.org/lts/security/ Thorsten Alteholz
January 25, 2022   https://wiki.debian.org/LTS
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Package : libxfont
Version : 1:2.0.1-3+deb9u2
CVE ID : CVE-2017-16611

An issue has been found in libxfont, an X11 font rasterisation library.
By creating symlinks, a local attacker can open (but not read) local files
as user root. This might create unwanted actions with special files like
/dev/watchdog.

For Debian 9 stretch, this problem has been fixed in version
1:2.0.1-3+deb9u2.

We recommend that you upgrade your libxfont packages.

For the detailed security status of libxfont please refer to
its security tracker page at:
  https://security-tracker.debian.org/tracker/libxfont

Further information about Debian LTS security advisories, how to apply
these updates to your system and frequently asked questions can be
found at:   https://wiki.debian.org/LTS