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.
Metrics
Affected Vendors & Products
References
History
Mon, 04 May 2026 19:00:00 +0000
| Type | Values Removed | Values Added |
|---|---|---|
| CPEs | cpe:2.3:a:uutils:coreutils:*:*:*:*:*:rust:*:* |
Mon, 27 Apr 2026 20:15:00 +0000
| Type | Values Removed | Values Added |
|---|---|---|
| First Time appeared |
Uutils
Uutils coreutils |
|
| Vendors & Products |
Uutils
Uutils coreutils |
Wed, 22 Apr 2026 18:15:00 +0000
| Type | Values Removed | Values Added |
|---|---|---|
| Metrics |
ssvc
|
Wed, 22 Apr 2026 16:30:00 +0000
| Type | Values Removed | Values Added |
|---|---|---|
| Description | 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. | |
| Title | uutils coreutils ln Security Bypass via Improper Handling of the --no-dereference Flag | |
| Weaknesses | CWE-61 | |
| References |
| |
| Metrics |
cvssV3_1
|
Status: PUBLISHED
Assigner: canonical
Published: 2026-04-22T16:08:58.696Z
Updated: 2026-04-22T17:21:15.165Z
Reserved: 2026-04-02T12:58:56.088Z
Link: CVE-2026-35372
Updated: 2026-04-22T17:21:11.399Z
Status : Analyzed
Published: 2026-04-22T17:16:41.850
Modified: 2026-05-04T18:49:46.510
Link: CVE-2026-35372
No data.