CVE-2026-35372

uutils coreutils ln Security Bypass via Improper Handling of the --no-dereference Flag

Published Apr 22, 2026 CVSS 3.1 · 5 Medium EPSS < 1% KEV · Not listed
Description
A logic error in the ln utility of uutils coreutils allows the utility to dereference a symbolic link target even when the --no-dereference (or -n) flag is explicitly provided. The implementation previously only honored the "no-dereference" intent if the --force (overwrite) mode was also enabled. This flaw causes ln to follow a symbolic link that points to a directory and create new links inside that target directory instead of treating the symbolic link itself as the destination. In environments where a privileged user or system script uses ln -n to update a symlink, a local attacker could manipulate existing symbolic links to redirect file creation into sensitive directories, potentially leading to unauthorized file creation or system misconfiguration.

Remediation

No solution or workaround provided in the CVE record

Tracking

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Advisories

Source ID Title
Github GHSA Github GHSA GHSA-wq63-vh5h-pr5p uutils coreutils has a UNIX Symbolic Link (Symlink) Following issue
History
Type Values Removed Values Added
CPEs cpe:2.3:a:uutils:coreutils:*:*:*:*:*:rust:*:*
Type Values Removed Values Added
First Time appeared Uutils
Uutils coreutils
Vendors & Products Uutils
Uutils coreutils
Type Values Removed Values Added
Metrics ssvc

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

Type Values Removed Values Added
Description A logic error in the ln utility of uutils coreutils allows the utility to dereference a symbolic link target even when the --no-dereference (or -n) flag is explicitly provided. The implementation previously only honored the "no-dereference" intent if the --force (overwrite) mode was also enabled. This flaw causes ln to follow a symbolic link that points to a directory and create new links inside that target directory instead of treating the symbolic link itself as the destination. In environments where a privileged user or system script uses ln -n to update a symlink, a local attacker could manipulate existing symbolic links to redirect file creation into sensitive directories, potentially leading to unauthorized file creation or system misconfiguration.
Title uutils coreutils ln Security Bypass via Improper Handling of the --no-dereference Flag
Weaknesses CWE-61
References
Metrics cvssV3_1

{'score': 5, 'vector': 'CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:R/S:U/C:N/I:H/A:N'}

Weaknesses

Sources

Status
PUBLISHED
Assigner
canonical
Published
Updated
Apr 22, 2026, 5:21 PM
Reserved
Apr 2, 2026, 12:58 PM
Status
Analyzed
Published
Apr 22, 2026, 5:16 PM
Modified
Oct 26, 2026, 9:10 PM