CVE-2026-33694: CWE-59 Improper link resolution before file access ('link following') in Tenable, Inc. Tenable Nessus, Tenable Nessus Agent
CVE-2026-33694 is a high-severity vulnerability in Tenable Nessus and Nessus Agent involving improper link resolution before file access (CWE-59). It allows an attacker to create a junction that can lead to deletion of arbitrary files with SYSTEM privileges. This flaw potentially enables arbitrary code execution with elevated SYSTEM privileges. No official patch or remediation guidance is currently provided by the vendor. Exploits in the wild are not known at this time.
AI Analysis
Technical Summary
This vulnerability in Tenable Nessus and Nessus Agent arises from improper handling of symbolic links or junctions before file access, classified as CWE-59. An attacker can leverage this to create a junction that causes the software to delete arbitrary files with SYSTEM-level permissions. The consequence of this file deletion can escalate to arbitrary code execution under SYSTEM privileges. The CVSS 4.0 base score is 7.4, reflecting high severity with local attack vector, low attack complexity, and requiring limited privileges and user interaction. The vulnerability is published and assigned CVE-2026-33694 but lacks an official remediation level or patch at present.
Potential Impact
Successful exploitation allows deletion of arbitrary files with SYSTEM privileges, which can lead to arbitrary code execution with SYSTEM-level rights. This elevates the attacker's control over the affected system significantly, potentially compromising system integrity and security.
Mitigation Recommendations
Patch status is not yet confirmed — check the vendor advisory for current remediation guidance. Until an official fix is released, users should exercise caution with local access and user interactions that could trigger this vulnerability. Monitor Tenable's advisories for updates on patches or mitigations.
CVE-2026-33694: CWE-59 Improper link resolution before file access ('link following') in Tenable, Inc. Tenable Nessus, Tenable Nessus Agent
Description
CVE-2026-33694 is a high-severity vulnerability in Tenable Nessus and Nessus Agent involving improper link resolution before file access (CWE-59). It allows an attacker to create a junction that can lead to deletion of arbitrary files with SYSTEM privileges. This flaw potentially enables arbitrary code execution with elevated SYSTEM privileges. No official patch or remediation guidance is currently provided by the vendor. Exploits in the wild are not known at this time.
CVSS v4.0
Score 7.4high
Weaknesses
AI-Powered Analysis
Machine-generated threat intelligence
Technical Analysis
This vulnerability in Tenable Nessus and Nessus Agent arises from improper handling of symbolic links or junctions before file access, classified as CWE-59. An attacker can leverage this to create a junction that causes the software to delete arbitrary files with SYSTEM-level permissions. The consequence of this file deletion can escalate to arbitrary code execution under SYSTEM privileges. The CVSS 4.0 base score is 7.4, reflecting high severity with local attack vector, low attack complexity, and requiring limited privileges and user interaction. The vulnerability is published and assigned CVE-2026-33694 but lacks an official remediation level or patch at present.
Potential Impact
Successful exploitation allows deletion of arbitrary files with SYSTEM privileges, which can lead to arbitrary code execution with SYSTEM-level rights. This elevates the attacker's control over the affected system significantly, potentially compromising system integrity and security.
Mitigation Recommendations
Patch status is not yet confirmed — check the vendor advisory for current remediation guidance. Until an official fix is released, users should exercise caution with local access and user interactions that could trigger this vulnerability. Monitor Tenable's advisories for updates on patches or mitigations.
Technical Details
- Data Version
- 5.2
- Assigner Short Name
- tenable
- Date Reserved
- 2026-03-23T16:39:06.329Z
- Cvss Version
- 4.0
- State
- PUBLISHED
- Remediation Level
- null
Threat ID: 69ea6a1a87115cfb68455b8c
Added to database: 4/23/2026, 6:51:06 PM
Last enriched: 5/1/2026, 8:51:07 PM
Last updated: 6/7/2026, 7:40:32 AM
Views: 127
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