CVE-2026-12391: CWE-59 Improper link resolution before file access ('link following') in Canonical ubuntu-pro-client (ubuntu-advantage-tools)
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.
AI Analysis
Technical Summary
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.
CVE-2026-12391: CWE-59 Improper link resolution before file access ('link following') in Canonical 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
Affected software
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Weaknesses
AI-Powered Analysis
Machine-generated threat intelligence
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.
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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