CVE-2026-53783: CWE-59 Improper Link Resolution Before File Access ('Link Following') in RsyncProject rsync
CVE-2026-53783 is a high-severity vulnerability in rsync versions up to 3.4.4. It involves a time-of-check to time-of-use (TOCTOU) race condition in the rrsync restricted shell wrapper, allowing authenticated clients to bypass directory restrictions by substituting symlinks after validation. Attackers can exploit certain unrestricted flags to read or write files outside the allowed directory subtree.
AI Analysis
Technical Summary
This vulnerability affects rsync versions up to 3.4.4 and stems from a TOCTOU race condition in the rrsync restricted shell wrapper. Authenticated users can escape directory restrictions by replacing a path component with a symlink after the initial validation but before the file transfer processing. Additionally, the use of unrestricted flags such as --copy-unsafe-links, -D, and --log-file through rrsync can be leveraged to access or modify files outside the permitted directory subtree, potentially leading to unauthorized file read or write operations.
Potential Impact
Exploitation of this vulnerability allows authenticated attackers to bypass directory restrictions enforced by rrsync, potentially leading to unauthorized reading or writing of files outside the intended directory subtree. This can result in data exposure or modification beyond the scope of the restricted environment.
Mitigation Recommendations
Patch status is not yet confirmed — check the vendor advisory for current remediation guidance. Until a patch or official fix is available, restrict access to rrsync to trusted users only and avoid using unrestricted flags such as --copy-unsafe-links, -D, and --log-file with rrsync. Monitor vendor communications for updates on remediation.
CVE-2026-53783: CWE-59 Improper Link Resolution Before File Access ('Link Following') in RsyncProject rsync
Description
CVE-2026-53783 is a high-severity vulnerability in rsync versions up to 3.4.4. It involves a time-of-check to time-of-use (TOCTOU) race condition in the rrsync restricted shell wrapper, allowing authenticated clients to bypass directory restrictions by substituting symlinks after validation. Attackers can exploit certain unrestricted flags to read or write files outside the allowed directory subtree.
CVSS v4.0
Score 8.6high
Affected software
RsyncProject
rsync
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Weaknesses
AI-Powered Analysis
Machine-generated threat intelligence
Technical Analysis
This vulnerability affects rsync versions up to 3.4.4 and stems from a TOCTOU race condition in the rrsync restricted shell wrapper. Authenticated users can escape directory restrictions by replacing a path component with a symlink after the initial validation but before the file transfer processing. Additionally, the use of unrestricted flags such as --copy-unsafe-links, -D, and --log-file through rrsync can be leveraged to access or modify files outside the permitted directory subtree, potentially leading to unauthorized file read or write operations.
Potential Impact
Exploitation of this vulnerability allows authenticated attackers to bypass directory restrictions enforced by rrsync, potentially leading to unauthorized reading or writing of files outside the intended directory subtree. This can result in data exposure or modification beyond the scope of the restricted environment.
Mitigation Recommendations
Patch status is not yet confirmed — check the vendor advisory for current remediation guidance. Until a patch or official fix is available, restrict access to rrsync to trusted users only and avoid using unrestricted flags such as --copy-unsafe-links, -D, and --log-file with rrsync. Monitor vendor communications for updates on remediation.
Technical Details
- Data Version
- 5.2
- Assigner Short Name
- VulnCheck
- Date Reserved
- 2026-06-10T20:14:32.826Z
- Cvss Version
- 4.0
- State
- PUBLISHED
Threat ID: 6a7ddec3bf8831d5395cfc2e
Added to database: 08/13/2026, 15:12:03 UTC
Last enriched: 08/21/2026, 13:37:02 UTC
Last updated: 09/29/2026, 01:47:42 UTC
Views: 38
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