CVE-2026-113352
Description
A flaw was found in uTox. This path traversal vulnerability allows a remote attacker to achieve arbitrary code execution by sending file transfers containing directory traversal sequences or absolute file paths to a recipient with the auto-accept feature enabled. Because the application does not properly sanitize incoming file names, an attacker can write arbitrary files outside the intended directory, potentially overwriting critical configuration files or manipulating application data to execute arbitrary code.
Statement
Red Hat rates this vulnerability as Important severity because an authenticated contact can overwrite arbitrary files in the user context, potentially leading to code execution. Exploitation requires non-default operational settings, specifically that the recipient has configured the client to automatically accept incoming file transfers from the sender. Without this automatic acceptance setting enabled, incoming transfers prompt the user, preventing silent file placement.
Understanding the Weakness (CWE)
Integrity,Confidentiality,Availability
Technical Impact: Execute Unauthorized Code or Commands
The attacker may be able to create or overwrite critical files that are used to execute code, such as programs or libraries.
Integrity
Technical Impact: Modify Files or Directories
The attacker may be able to overwrite or create critical files, such as programs, libraries, or important data. If the targeted file is used for a security mechanism, then the attacker may be able to bypass that mechanism. For example, appending a new account at the end of a password file may allow an attacker to bypass authentication.
Confidentiality
Technical Impact: Read Files or Directories
The attacker may be able to read the contents of unexpected files and expose sensitive data. If the targeted file is used for a security mechanism, then the attacker may be able to bypass that mechanism. For example, by reading a password file, the attacker could conduct brute force password guessing attacks in order to break into an account on the system.
Availability
Technical Impact: DoS: Crash, Exit, or Restart
The attacker may be able to overwrite, delete, or corrupt unexpected critical files such as programs, libraries, or important data. This may prevent the product from working at all and in the case of protection mechanisms such as authentication, it has the potential to lock out product users.
Frequently Asked Questions
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