CVE-2026-53802
Description
A flaw was found in rsync. A local attacker with low privileges can exploit a symlink following vulnerability in the handling of input configuration files, such as those specified by --files-from or --password-file. This allows the attacker to read arbitrary files accessible to the rsync daemon process, leading to information disclosure.
Statement
A symlink-following vulnerability in rsync allows a local, low-privileged attacker to read arbitrary files accessible to the rsync daemon. The issue occurs when rsync improperly handles input configuration files, such as --files-from or --password-file. Exploitation requires a non-default configuration where the attacker can either control the input file paths or plant symlinks within the daemon's module root.
Mitigation
Ensure the rsync daemon runs with the principle of least privilege, enabling use chroot = yes to securely jail the process to its module tree. Restrict write access for daemon configuration directories and files specified by --files-from or --password-file to trusted administrators only. When running rsync outside of daemon mode, ensure users only process input files originating from trusted, non-world-writable directories.
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 | 7.1 | N/A | 7.1 |
| Attack Vector | Local | N/A | Local |
| Attack Complexity | Low | N/A | Low |
| Privileges Required | Low | N/A | Low |
| User Interaction | None | N/A | None |
| Scope | Unchanged | N/A | Unchanged |
| Confidentiality | High | N/A | High |
| Integrity Impact | High | N/A | High |
| Availability Impact | None | N/A | None |
Vector
Red Hat: CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:N
cve.org: CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:N
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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