CVE-2026-19672: tarfile Module Allows Path Traversal Before 3.16.0
CVE-2026-19672 Published on August 19, 2026
tarfile extraction filter bypass allows creation of directories outside the destination
The tarfile module's tar and data
extraction filters created directories outside the destination for
members whose name leaves the destination and returns to it, such as ../evil/../dest/sub/file. The containment check used the resolved path, but intermediate directories were created from the name as given.
Only
empty directories are created outside the destination. Member contents
are still extracted inside it. To return to the destination the member's
name must contain the destination directory's own final component, so
extraction into a secure randomised directory is not affected.
This affects POSIX platforms only. On Windows, .. components are collapsed before the path reaches the filesystem, so the directories outside the destination are never created.
Vulnerability Analysis
CVE-2026-19672 is exploitable with network 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 have no impact on confidentiality and integrity and availability.
Weakness Type
What is a Directory traversal Vulnerability?
The software uses external input to construct a pathname that is intended to identify a file or directory that is located underneath a restricted parent directory, but the software does not properly neutralize special elements within the pathname that can cause the pathname to resolve to a location that is outside of the restricted directory.
CVE-2026-19672 has been classified to as a Directory traversal vulnerability or weakness.
Products Associated with CVE-2026-19672
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Affected Versions
Python Software Foundation CPython:- Before 3.16.0 is affected.