CVE-2026-59996
Description
A flaw was found in OpenSSH, a widely used tool for secure remote access. When a user attempts to copy files between two different remote systems using the scp command, the file might be incorrectly placed in a directory above the intended destination. This unintended file placement could lead to data integrity issues or, in some cases, unauthorized access to sensitive information if files are stored in an exposed location.
Statement
Conditions for Exploitation: Exploitation requires specific user actions and conditions, as the vulnerability only triggers when a user explicitly initiates a file copy between two remote destinations using the scp command.
Impact Limitations: The boundaries of the potential impact are highly contained. The flaw only results in unintended file placement within the parent directory of the target destination. It does not inherently lead to arbitrary code execution, denial of service, or privilege escalation, and any potential data exposure relies heavily on the existing permissions of the parent directory.
Mitigation
To mitigate this issue, users should avoid performing `scp` operations directly between two remote destinations. Instead, consider copying files from the first remote host to a local machine, and then from the local machine to the second remote host. Alternatively, use `sftp` or `rsync` for remote file transfers, as these utilities are not affected by this specific vulnerability.
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 | 4.6 | 5.4 | 4.2 |
| Attack Vector | Network | Network | Network |
| Attack Complexity | High | Low | High |
| Privileges Required | Low | None | None |
| User Interaction | Required | Required | Required |
| Scope | Unchanged | Unchanged | Unchanged |
| Confidentiality | Low | None | None |
| Integrity Impact | Low | Low | Low |
| Availability Impact | Low | Low | Low |
Vector
Red Hat: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:H/PR:L/UI:R/S:U/C:L/I:L/A:L
NVD: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:N/I:L/A:L
cve.org: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:N/I:L/A:L
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 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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