CVE-2026-44029: CWE-36 Absolute Path Traversal in NixOS Nix
CVE-2026-44029 is an absolute path traversal vulnerability in NixOS Nix versions prior to 2.34.7. It allows writing to arbitrary files via directory traversal when using the commands "nix-prefetch-url --unpack" or "nix store prefetch-file --unpack. " The issue affects multiple versions starting from 2.24.7 up to 2.34.0. The vulnerability has a medium severity with a CVSS score of 5.
AI Analysis
Technical Summary
This vulnerability (CVE-2026-44029) in Nix before version 2.34.7 involves an absolute path traversal (CWE-36) that can be triggered via the "nix-prefetch-url --unpack" or "nix store prefetch-file --unpack" commands. An attacker can write to arbitrary files on the filesystem by exploiting directory traversal weaknesses in these commands. The issue affects multiple versions from 2.24.7 through 2.34.0. The vulnerability has a CVSS 3.1 base score of 5.3, indicating medium severity, with network attack vector, low attack complexity, no privileges required, and no user interaction needed. The impact is limited to integrity (writing arbitrary files) without confidentiality or availability impact. Fixed versions include 2.34.7 and several earlier patch releases.
Potential Impact
The vulnerability allows an unauthenticated attacker to write arbitrary files on the system by exploiting directory traversal in specific Nix commands. This can lead to integrity violations, such as overwriting or creating files unexpectedly. There is no direct impact on confidentiality or availability according to the CVSS vector. No known exploits in the wild have been reported.
Mitigation Recommendations
Fixed versions are available starting with Nix 2.34.7 and earlier patch releases (2.33.6, 2.32.8, 2.31.5, 2.30.5, 2.29.4, and 2.28.7). Users should upgrade to one of these fixed versions to remediate the vulnerability. Patch status is not explicitly confirmed in the provided data; therefore, check the official NixOS vendor advisory for the latest remediation guidance and to confirm patch availability.
CVE-2026-44029: CWE-36 Absolute Path Traversal in NixOS Nix
Description
CVE-2026-44029 is an absolute path traversal vulnerability in NixOS Nix versions prior to 2.34.7. It allows writing to arbitrary files via directory traversal when using the commands "nix-prefetch-url --unpack" or "nix store prefetch-file --unpack. " The issue affects multiple versions starting from 2.24.7 up to 2.34.0. The vulnerability has a medium severity with a CVSS score of 5.
CVSS v3.1
Score 5.3medium
Affected software
Weaknesses
AI-Powered Analysis
Machine-generated threat intelligence
Technical Analysis
This vulnerability (CVE-2026-44029) in Nix before version 2.34.7 involves an absolute path traversal (CWE-36) that can be triggered via the "nix-prefetch-url --unpack" or "nix store prefetch-file --unpack" commands. An attacker can write to arbitrary files on the filesystem by exploiting directory traversal weaknesses in these commands. The issue affects multiple versions from 2.24.7 through 2.34.0. The vulnerability has a CVSS 3.1 base score of 5.3, indicating medium severity, with network attack vector, low attack complexity, no privileges required, and no user interaction needed. The impact is limited to integrity (writing arbitrary files) without confidentiality or availability impact. Fixed versions include 2.34.7 and several earlier patch releases.
Potential Impact
The vulnerability allows an unauthenticated attacker to write arbitrary files on the system by exploiting directory traversal in specific Nix commands. This can lead to integrity violations, such as overwriting or creating files unexpectedly. There is no direct impact on confidentiality or availability according to the CVSS vector. No known exploits in the wild have been reported.
Mitigation Recommendations
Fixed versions are available starting with Nix 2.34.7 and earlier patch releases (2.33.6, 2.32.8, 2.31.5, 2.30.5, 2.29.4, and 2.28.7). Users should upgrade to one of these fixed versions to remediate the vulnerability. Patch status is not explicitly confirmed in the provided data; therefore, check the official NixOS vendor advisory for the latest remediation guidance and to confirm patch availability.
Technical Details
- Data Version
- 5.2
- Assigner Short Name
- mitre
- Date Reserved
- 2026-05-05T00:51:05.139Z
- Cvss Version
- 3.1
- State
- PUBLISHED
- Remediation Level
- null
Threat ID: 69f94292cbff5d86107871db
Added to database: 5/5/2026, 1:06:26 AM
Last enriched: 5/12/2026, 6:28:49 AM
Last updated: 6/19/2026, 3:30:55 AM
Views: 107
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