uutils coreutils ln Security Bypass via Improper Handling of the --no-dereference Flag
Summary
uutils coreutils ln Security Bypass via Improper Handling of the --no-dereference Flag
Original description
The description as published by the source.
A logic error in the ln utility of uutils coreutils allows the utility to dereference a symbolic link target even when the --no-dereference (or -n) flag is explicitly provided. The implementation previously only honored the "no-dereference" intent if the --force (overwrite) mode was also enabled. This flaw causes ln to follow a symbolic link that points to a directory and create new links inside that target directory instead of treating the symbolic link itself as the destination. In environments where a privileged user or system script uses ln -n to update a symlink, a local attacker could manipulate existing symbolic links to redirect file creation into sensitive directories, potentially leading to unauthorized file creation or system misconfiguration.
Source: OSV.dev (Open Source Vulnerabilities) NVD GitHub Advisory OSV
Fix status by distribution
Fixed packages published by each distribution for this CVE
- Debian DEBIAN-CVE-2026-35372 rust-coreutils
- Ubuntu UBUNTU-CVE-2026-35372 rust-coreutils
References
- advisory github.com
- advisory github.com
- advisory nvd.nist.gov
- package github.com
- patch github.com
- web github.com