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CVE-2026-12391: CWE-59 Improper link resolution before file access ('link following') in Canonical ubuntu-pro-client (ubuntu-advantage-tools)

0
Medium
VulnerabilityCVE-2026-12391cvecve-2026-12391cwe-59
Published: 07/16/2026 (07/16/2026, 12:17:01 UTC)
Source: CVE Database V5
Vendor/Project: Canonical
Product: ubuntu-pro-client (ubuntu-advantage-tools)

Description

An insecure symlink following vulnerability exists in Canonical ubuntu-pro-client (formerly ubuntu-advantage-tools) within the pro collect-logs command framework. The utility creates or utilizes predictable temporary file paths or user-accessible log directories when gathering diagnostic information without verifying the file type or ownership. An unprivileged local attacker can exploit this behavior by creating a symbolic link (symlink) at a predictable destination path pointing to an arbitrary, root-readable file (such as /etc/shadow or private files within /root). When a root administrator or operator subsequently executes the pro collect-logs command, the tool follows the user-controlled symlink, reads the target file, and compresses its contents into the resulting diagnostic support archive. Because the output archive remains readable by the unprivileged user, the attacker can extract and read the sensitive root-owned files, leading to a complete information disclosure of system secrets.

CVSS v3.1

Score 5.0medium

Attack Vector
Local
Attack Complexity
Low
Privileges Required
Low
User Interaction
Required
Scope
Unchanged
Confidentiality
High
Integrity
None
Availability
None
CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:N/A:N

Affected software

GitHub Actionsmore threats →cve
ubuntu-pro-client
pkg:github/ubuntu-pro-client
Affected versions
<37.3

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AI-Powered Analysis

Machine-generated threat intelligence

AILast updated: 07/16/2026, 13:03:08 UTC

Technical Analysis

This vulnerability arises from improper link resolution before file access (CWE-59) in the ubuntu-pro-client's pro collect-logs command framework. The tool uses predictable temporary file paths or user-accessible log directories without verifying file type or ownership. An unprivileged local attacker can create a symlink at a predictable path pointing to sensitive root-readable files (e.g., /etc/shadow). When a privileged user runs the pro collect-logs command, the tool follows the symlink, reads the target file, and includes its contents in the diagnostic archive, which remains readable by the attacker. This leads to complete information disclosure of system secrets.

Potential Impact

An unprivileged local attacker can gain unauthorized read access to sensitive root-owned files by exploiting the symlink following behavior in the pro collect-logs command. This results in a confidentiality breach of critical system files such as /etc/shadow or private root files. There is no impact on integrity or availability reported.

Mitigation Recommendations

Patch status is not yet confirmed — check the vendor advisory for current remediation guidance. Until a fix is available, avoid running the pro collect-logs command in environments where unprivileged users can create files or symlinks in the directories used by the tool. Restrict local user permissions to prevent creation of symlinks in predictable temporary or log directories used by ubuntu-pro-client.

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Technical Details

Data Version
5.2
Assigner Short Name
canonical
Date Reserved
2026-06-16T12:15:12.153Z
Cvss Version
3.1
State
PUBLISHED
Remediation Level
null

Threat ID: 6a58d31c68715ace430a6507

Added to database: 07/16/2026, 12:48:28 UTC

Last enriched: 07/16/2026, 13:03:08 UTC

Last updated: 07/16/2026, 23:47:19 UTC

Views: 11

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