CVE-2026-53795
Description
A flaw was found in rsync. A remote attacker can exploit this vulnerability by specifying an absolute path using the --temp-dir or --link-dest options. This bypasses the rename-confinement logic, allowing the attacker to write files to arbitrary locations outside the intended destination tree, potentially leading to unauthorized data modification or system disruption.
Statement
This Important flaw in rsync allows an attacker to write files to arbitrary locations outside the intended destination. This occurs when a user is tricked into executing rsync with attacker-controlled absolute paths via the --temp-dir or --link-dest options, bypassing path confinement. The requirement for user interaction to supply malicious input prevents this from being a Critical severity issue.
Mitigation
Do not pass untrusted values into --temp-dir or --link-dest. If you need those options, keep the destination (and those dirs) free of writes by untrusted users so a parent cannot be swapped to a symlink. Do not use --partial-dir or --inplace when pulling from an untrusted server. If rsyncd runs with use chroot = no, restrict who can connect.
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).
The following CVSS metrics and score provided are preliminary and subject to review.
CVSS v3 Score Breakdown
| Red Hat | NVD | cve.org | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base Score | 8.1 | N/A | 8.1 |
| Attack Vector | Network | N/A | Network |
| Attack Complexity | Low | N/A | Low |
| Privileges Required | None | N/A | None |
| User Interaction | Required | N/A | Required |
| Scope | Unchanged | N/A | Unchanged |
| Confidentiality | None | N/A | None |
| Integrity Impact | High | N/A | High |
| Availability Impact | High | N/A | High |
Vector
Red Hat: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:N/I:H/A:H
cve.org: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:N/I:H/A:H
Understanding the Weakness (CWE)
Confidentiality,Integrity,Access Control
Technical Impact: Read Files or Directories; Modify Files or Directories; Bypass Protection Mechanism
An attacker may be able to traverse the file system to unintended locations and read or overwrite the contents of unexpected files. If the files are used for a security mechanism then an attacker may be able to bypass the mechanism.
Other
Technical Impact: Execute Unauthorized Code or Commands
Windows simple shortcuts, sometimes referred to as soft links, can be exploited remotely since a ".LNK" file can be uploaded like a normal file. This can enable remote execution.
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