rsync 3.5.0 Improper Path Handling in --delete (CVE-2026-53789)
CVE-2026-53789 Published on August 13, 2026
rsync < 3.5.0 Arbitrary File Deletion via Malicious File List
rsync before 3.5.0 contains an improper path handling vulnerability that allows a malicious sender to expand the scope of --delete operations beyond the intended destination subtree by sending a crafted file list that causes rsync to reclassify implied parent directory entries or treat synthetic paths as the transfer root. Attackers can exploit multiple variants including implied parent reclassification, synthetic root path construction, legacy protocol behavior below version 30, and non-directory root handling to cause the receiver to delete files outside the authorized destination directory.
Vulnerability Analysis
CVE-2026-53789 can be exploited with network access. 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
Reliance on Untrusted Inputs in a Security Decision
The application uses a protection mechanism that relies on the existence or values of an input, but the input can be modified by an untrusted actor in a way that bypasses the protection mechanism.
Products Associated with CVE-2026-53789
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Affected Versions
RsyncProject rsync:- Before and including 3.4.4 is affected.
- Version 3.5.0 is unaffected.