FreedomBox <26.15 symlink authorized_keys privilege escalation
CVE-2026-123962 Published on November 6, 2026
In FreedomBox before 26.15, unprivileged user accounts can read/write files for which they lack permissions by setting the authorized_keys file to be a symlink. NOTE: FreedomBox is a Debian Pure Blend, which means that it distributes its software through Debian repositories.
Vulnerability Analysis
CVE-2026-123962 is exploitable with local system access, and does not require authorization privileges or user interaction. This vulnerability is considered to have a low attack complexity. The potential impact of an exploit of this vulnerability is considered to be very high.
Weakness Type
What is a Symlink following Vulnerability?
The software, when opening a file or directory, does not sufficiently account for when the file is a symbolic link that resolves to a target outside of the intended control sphere. This could allow an attacker to cause the software to operate on unauthorized files. A software system that allows UNIX symbolic links (symlink) as part of paths whether in internal code or through user input can allow an attacker to spoof the symbolic link and traverse the file system to unintended locations or access arbitrary files. The symbolic link can permit an attacker to read/write/corrupt a file that they originally did not have permissions to access.
CVE-2026-123962 has been classified to as a Symlink following vulnerability or weakness.
Products Associated with CVE-2026-123962
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Affected Versions
Debian FreedomBox:- Before 26.15 is affected.
Exploit Probability
EPSS (Exploit Prediction Scoring System) scores estimate the probability that a vulnerability will be exploited in the wild within the next 30 days. The percentile shows you how this score compares to all other vulnerabilities.