Flatpak build-init Path Traversal via SDK Extension
CVE-2026-96276 Published on September 23, 2026
Flatpak: flatpak: arbitrary write in host context via flatpak build-init
If a malicious SDK container declares an extension point with a crafted `directory` path, and a developer runs `flatpak build-init --writable-sdk --sdk-extension` with that SDK, attacker-chosen files could be written outside the working directory, since the target path is resolved via a function that allows `..` traversal.
Vulnerability Analysis
CVE-2026-96276 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 be critical as this vulnerability has a high impact to the confidentiality, integrity and availability of this component.
Timeline
Reported to Red Hat.
Made public.
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-2026-96276 has been classified to as a Directory traversal vulnerability or weakness.
Products Associated with CVE-2026-96276
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