rsync <3.5.0 --max-alloc Logic Error Enables Unlimited Allocation & DoS
CVE-2026-53794 Published on August 13, 2026
rsync < 3.5.0 Denial of Service via --max-alloc=0 Logic Error
rsync before 3.5.0 contains a logic error in --max-alloc handling that allows a sender or configuration setting --max-alloc=0 to disable allocation sanity checks entirely rather than enforcing a zero-byte cap. Attackers can exploit this flaw to cause the receiver to attempt unbounded memory allocations for file list and data structures, potentially exhausting available memory and causing a denial of service.
Vulnerability Analysis
CVE-2026-53794 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
Improper Validation of Specified Quantity in Input
The product receives input that is expected to specify a quantity (such as size or length), but it does not validate or incorrectly validates that the quantity has the required properties.
Products Associated with CVE-2026-53794
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Affected Versions
RsyncProject rsync:- Before and including 3.4.4 is affected.
- Version 3.5.0 is unaffected.