CVE-2026-41035
Description
A flaw was found in rsync. When rsync is configured to handle extended attributes (using the -X or --xattrs option), a remote attacker can exploit a use-after-free vulnerability. This occurs because the receive_xattr function incorrectly processes an untrusted length value during a sorting operation, leading to memory corruption. Successful exploitation can result in a denial of service, causing the rsync process to crash, and may potentially allow for arbitrary code execution.
Statement
This is an Important flaw in rsync that allows a remote attacker to cause a denial of service or potentially execute arbitrary code. The vulnerability is present when rsync is used with extended attributes enabled via the -X or --xattrs option, which is not a default configuration. Exploitation requires the victim to explicitly enable this feature.
Mitigation
To mitigate this vulnerability, avoid using the -X or --xattrs options with rsync if extended attribute handling is not essential for your operations. Disabling these options prevents the vulnerable code path from being exercised. This may impact functionality that relies on extended attributes.
Common Vulnerability Scoring System (CVSS) Score Details
Info alert:Important note
CVSS scores for open source components depend on vendor-specific factors (e.g. version or build chain). Therefore, Red Hat's score and impact rating can be different from NVD and other vendors. Red Hat remains the authoritative CVE Naming Authority (CNA) source for its products and services (see Red Hat classifications).
CVSS v3 Score Breakdown
| Red Hat | NVD | cve.org | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base Score | 7.4 | 7.8 | 7.4 |
| Attack Vector | Network | Local | Network |
| Attack Complexity | Low | Low | Low |
| Privileges Required | Low | None | Low |
| User Interaction | None | Required | None |
| Scope | Changed | Unchanged | Changed |
| Confidentiality | Low | High | Low |
| Integrity Impact | Low | High | Low |
| Availability Impact | Low | High | Low |
Vector
Red Hat: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:C/C:L/I:L/A:L
NVD: CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
cve.org: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:C/C:L/I:L/A:L
Understanding the Weakness (CWE)
Integrity,Confidentiality,Availability
Technical Impact: Read Memory; Modify Memory; Execute Unauthorized Code or Commands
Buffer overflows often can be used to execute arbitrary code, which is usually outside the scope of a program's implicit security policy. This can often be used to subvert any other security service.
Availability
Technical Impact: Modify Memory; DoS: Crash, Exit, or Restart; DoS: Resource Consumption (CPU)
Buffer overflows generally lead to crashes. Other attacks leading to lack of availability are possible, including putting the program into an infinite loop.
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