CVE-2026-42496

Archive::Tar versions before 3.08 for Perl extract symlinks with attacker controlled targets outside the extraction directory

Published May 26, 2026 CVSS 3.1 · 9.1 Critical EPSS < 1% KEV · Not listed
Description
Archive::Tar versions before 3.08 for Perl extract symlinks with attacker controlled targets outside the extraction directory.

_make_special_file() passes the tar header's linkname to symlink() without validating it against absolute paths or .. segments. The secure-extract mode check that guards regular file extraction does not cover the symlink target.

A subsequent open through the extracted name reads or writes the attacker chosen path.

Remediation

Vendor Solution

Upgrade to Archive::Tar 3.08 or later.

Tracking

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Advisories

Source ID Title
Debian DLA Debian DLA DLA-4821-1 perl security update
Debian DLA Debian DLA DLA-4821-2 libmodule-cpants-analyse-perl regression update
Ubuntu USN Ubuntu USN USN-8467-2 Perl vulnerabilities
Ubuntu USN Ubuntu USN USN-8467-1 Perl vulnerabilities
History
Type Values Removed Values Added
Metrics ssvc

{'options': {'Automatable': 'yes', 'Exploitation': 'none', 'Technical Impact': 'partial'}, 'version': '2.0.3'}

Type Values Removed Values Added
First Time appeared Archive\
Archive\ \
CPEs cpe:2.3:a:archive\:\:tar_project:archive\:\:tar:*:*:*:*:*:perl:*:*
Vendors & Products Archive\
Archive\ \
Metrics cvssV3_1

{'score': 9.1, 'vector': 'CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:N'}

Type Values Removed Values Added
First Time appeared Bingos
Bingos archive::tar
Vendors & Products Bingos
Bingos archive::tar
Type Values Removed Values Added
Description Archive::Tar versions before 3.08 for Perl extract symlinks with attacker controlled targets outside the extraction directory. _make_special_file() passes the tar header's linkname to symlink() without validating it against absolute paths or .. segments. The secure-extract mode check that guards regular file extraction does not cover the symlink target. A subsequent open through the extracted name reads or writes the attacker chosen path.
Title Archive::Tar versions before 3.08 for Perl extract symlinks with attacker controlled targets outside the extraction directory
Weaknesses CWE-59
References
Weaknesses

Sources

Status
PUBLISHED
Assigner
CPANSec
Published
Updated
Nov 10, 2026, 12:45 PM
Reserved
Apr 27, 2026, 6:34 PM
Status
Modified
Published
May 26, 2026, 2:16 AM
Modified
Nov 10, 2026, 1:19 PM
Severity
Important
Public date
May 26, 2026, 12:17 AM