AlmaLinux OS 9 must enable kernel parameters to enforce discretionary access control (DAC) on symlinks.

By enabling the fs.protected_symlinks kernel parameter, symbolic links are permitted to be followed only when outside a sticky world-writable directory, or when the user identifier (UID) of the link and follower match, or when the directory owner matches the symlink's owner. Disallowing such symlinks helps mitigate vulnerabilities based on unsecure file systems accessed by privileged programs, avoiding an exploitation vector exploiting unsafe use of open() or creat().