CVE-2026-63294

Root RCE via image backup.yaml symlink

Published Aug 12, 2026 CVSS 3.1 · 9.9 Critical EPSS < 1% KEV · Not listed
Description
A link following vulnerability in LXD allows an attacker to achieve root command execution on the host system. During the import or unpacking of crafted image or backup archives, LXD fails to properly validate and confine the backup.yaml file when it exists as a symbolic link. An attacker can exploit this flaw by providing a malicious archive with a symlinked backup.yaml file, causing LXD to process unconfined configuration metadata and execute arbitrary commands with root privileges.

Remediation

Vendor Solution

Upgrade to LXD version 4.0.12 or later, 5.0.8 or later, or 5.12.6 or later, or 6.10 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': 'total'}, '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 link following vulnerability in LXD allows an attacker to achieve root command execution on the host system. During the import or unpacking of crafted image or backup archives, LXD fails to properly validate and confine the backup.yaml file when it exists as a symbolic link. An attacker can exploit this flaw by providing a malicious archive with a symlinked backup.yaml file, causing LXD to process unconfined configuration metadata and execute arbitrary commands with root privileges.
Title Root RCE via image backup.yaml symlink
Weaknesses CWE-59
References
Metrics cvssV3_1

{'score': 9.9, 'vector': 'CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H'}

Weaknesses

Sources

Status
PUBLISHED
Assigner
canonical
Published
Updated
Aug 13, 2026, 12:38 PM
Reserved
Jul 16, 2026, 9:49 AM
Status
Analyzed
Published
Aug 12, 2026, 8:17 PM
Modified
Oct 24, 2026, 4:10 PM