CVE-2026-16033

Arbitrary file read+write on host via templates/ symlink in malicious image

Published Aug 12, 2026 CVSS 3.1 · 8.5 High EPSS < 1% KEV · Not listed
Description
A path traversal vulnerability in LXD allows an attacker to achieve arbitrary host file read or unconstrained file creation. When processing image metadata templates, LXD fails to properly sanitize or restrict template file paths from escaping the instance templates directory (specifically affecting virtual machine / QEMU driver execution paths). An attacker can exploit this flaw by providing a crafted image archive with malicious template directives containing path traversal sequences, causing LXD to access or write files outside the intended template directory on the host system.

Remediation

Vendor Solution

Upgrade to LXD version 4.0.12 or later, or 5.0.8 or later.

Tracking

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Advisories

No advisories available
History
Type Values Removed Values Added
CPEs cpe:2.3:a:canonical:lxd:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
Type Values Removed Values Added
Metrics ssvc

{'options': {'Automatable': 'no', 'Exploitation': 'poc', 'Technical Impact': 'partial'}, 'version': '2.0.3'}

Type Values Removed Values Added
First Time appeared Canonical
Canonical lxd
Vendors & Products Canonical
Canonical lxd
Type Values Removed Values Added
Description A path traversal vulnerability in LXD allows an attacker to achieve arbitrary host file read or unconstrained file creation. When processing image metadata templates, LXD fails to properly sanitize or restrict template file paths from escaping the instance templates directory (specifically affecting virtual machine / QEMU driver execution paths). An attacker can exploit this flaw by providing a crafted image archive with malicious template directives containing path traversal sequences, causing LXD to access or write files outside the intended template directory on the host system.
Title Arbitrary file read+write on host via templates/ symlink in malicious image
Weaknesses CWE-22
References
Metrics cvssV3_1

{'score': 8.5, 'vector': 'CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:L/A:N'}

Weaknesses

Sources

Status
PUBLISHED
Assigner
canonical
Published
Updated
Aug 13, 2026, 12:46 PM
Reserved
Jul 17, 2026, 8:44 AM
Status
Analyzed
Published
Aug 12, 2026, 9:17 PM
Modified
Oct 23, 2026, 7:10 PM