CVE-2026-85518 vulnerability in Red Hat Products
Published on October 21, 2026
Openscap: openscap: arbitrary file write via path traversal in source datastream decomposition
A flaw was found in OpenSCAP. When decomposing a Source DataStream (SDS) file, the application does not properly validate relative file path attributes, leading to a path traversal vulnerability. An attacker can exploit this flaw by tricking a user or automated system into decomposing a crafted datastream containing directory traversal sequences. Successful exploitation allows unauthorized file creation or modification outside the intended target directory with the permissions of the executing process.
Vulnerability Analysis
CVE-2026-85518 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 no impact on confidentiality, a high impact on integrity, and a small impact on availability.
Timeline
Reported to Red Hat.
Made public. 156 days later.
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-2026-85518 has been classified to as a Directory traversal vulnerability or weakness.
Products Associated with CVE-2026-85518
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