CVE-2026-19444

Kubernetes kubectl cp path traversal on Windows allows arbitrary file writes

Published Sep 28, 2026 CVSS 3.1 · 6.5 Medium EPSS < 1% KEV · Not listed
Description
A path traversal vulnerability was discovered in the Kubernetes kubectl client's kubectl cp command on Windows. When copying files from a container, kubectl runs tar inside the container to build a tar archive, transfers it over the network, and unpacks it on the local machine. If the tar binary in the container is malicious, it can execute arbitrary code and emit unexpected output, allowing an attacker who controls container contents to write files to arbitrary paths on the user's local machine when kubectl cp is invoked, limited only by the system permissions of the local user. This issue only affects kubectl clients running on Windows.

Remediation

No solution or workaround provided in the CVE record

Tracking

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Advisories

No advisories available
History
Type Values Removed Values Added
Metrics ssvc

{'options': {'Automatable': 'no', 'Exploitation': 'none', 'Technical Impact': 'partial'}, 'version': '2.0.3'}

Type Values Removed Values Added
First Time appeared Kubernetes
Kubernetes kubernetes
Vendors & Products Kubernetes
Kubernetes kubernetes
Type Values Removed Values Added
Description A path traversal vulnerability was discovered in the Kubernetes kubectl client's kubectl cp command on Windows. When copying files from a container, kubectl runs tar inside the container to build a tar archive, transfers it over the network, and unpacks it on the local machine. If the tar binary in the container is malicious, it can execute arbitrary code and emit unexpected output, allowing an attacker who controls container contents to write files to arbitrary paths on the user's local machine when kubectl cp is invoked, limited only by the system permissions of the local user. This issue only affects kubectl clients running on Windows.
Title Kubernetes kubectl cp path traversal on Windows allows arbitrary file writes
Weaknesses CWE-22
References
Metrics cvssV3_1

{'score': 6.5, 'vector': 'CVSS:3.1/AV:A/AC:L/PR:H/UI:R/S:C/C:L/I:H/A:N'}

Weaknesses

Sources

Status
PUBLISHED
Assigner
kubernetes
Published
Updated
Sep 28, 2026, 6:09 PM
Reserved
Aug 10, 2026, 1:29 PM
Status
Awaiting Analysis
Published
Sep 28, 2026, 12:17 PM
Modified
Sep 29, 2026, 9:39 PM
Severity
Moderate
Public date
Sep 28, 2026, 11:38 AM