The Sleuth Kit <=4.14.0 tsk_recover Path Traversal Allows File Write
CVE-2026-40024 Published on April 8, 2026
Sleuth Kit tsk_recover Path Traversal
The Sleuth Kit through 4.14.0 contains a path traversal vulnerability in tsk_recover that allows an attacker to write files to arbitrary locations outside the intended recovery directory via crafted filenames or directory paths with path traversal sequences in a filesystem image. An attacker can craft a malicious filesystem image with embedded /../ sequences in filenames that, when processed by tsk_recover, writes files outside the output directory, potentially achieving code execution by overwriting shell configuration or cron entries.
Vulnerability Analysis
CVE-2026-40024 is exploitable with local system access, requires 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 a high impact on confidentiality and integrity, and no impact on 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-2026-40024 has been classified to as a Directory traversal vulnerability or weakness.
Affected Versions
sleuthkit:- Before and including 4.14.0 is affected.
- Version a3f96b3bc36a8bb1a00c297f77110d4a6e7dd31b is unaffected.
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.