Arbitrary File Read in rsync <3.5.0 via symlink handling
CVE-2026-53802 Published on August 13, 2026
rsync < 3.5.0 Arbitrary File Read via Symlink Following
rsync before 3.5.0 contains an arbitrary file read vulnerability that allows attackers to read files accessible to the rsync daemon process by exploiting symlink following in input configuration file handling including --files-from, --password-file, and filter merge files. Attackers can place a symlink at a predictable --files-from or --password-file path, or supply a --files-from path that escapes the daemon module root, to read arbitrary files accessible to the rsync process.
Vulnerability Analysis
CVE-2026-53802 is exploitable with local system access, and requires small amount of user privileges. 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 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-2026-53802 has been classified to as a Symlink following vulnerability or weakness.
Products Associated with CVE-2026-53802
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Affected Versions
RsyncProject rsync:- Before and including 3.4.4 is affected.
- Version 3.5.0 is unaffected.