CVE-2026-53801: CWE-59 Improper Link Resolution Before File Access ('Link Following') in RsyncProject rsync
rsync before 3.5.0 contains a symlink race condition vulnerability in the sender's directory scanning logic that allows attackers to cause the sender to enumerate and transfer files outside the module root's intended subtree. Attackers who can create or manipulate symlinks in a path component of the scanned tree can replace a symlink with a directory entry pointing outside the module root between the lstat() call and the subsequent opendir() call, exposing files beyond the intended root in both daemon-mode and non-daemon sender-side scanning.
AI Analysis
Technical Summary
CVE-2026-53801 describes a vulnerability in rsync before version 3.5.0 where a symlink race condition in the sender's directory scanning logic allows an attacker to manipulate symlinks between the lstat() and opendir() calls. This can cause the sender to enumerate and transfer files outside the intended module root subtree, potentially exposing unauthorized files. The flaw affects both daemon-mode and non-daemon sender-side scanning. The vulnerability is identified as CWE-59 (Improper Link Resolution Before File Access).
Potential Impact
Attackers capable of creating or manipulating symlinks in the scanned directory path can cause rsync to transfer files outside the intended directory tree, potentially exposing sensitive files beyond the module root. This could lead to unauthorized data disclosure. The CVSS 4.0 score is 8.2 (high severity), indicating a significant risk if exploited.
Mitigation Recommendations
Patch status is not yet confirmed — check the vendor advisory for current remediation guidance. No official fix or patch information is provided at this time. Users should monitor the RsyncProject advisories for updates and consider restricting symlink creation permissions in directories scanned by rsync as a temporary precaution.
CVE-2026-53801: CWE-59 Improper Link Resolution Before File Access ('Link Following') in RsyncProject rsync
Description
rsync before 3.5.0 contains a symlink race condition vulnerability in the sender's directory scanning logic that allows attackers to cause the sender to enumerate and transfer files outside the module root's intended subtree. Attackers who can create or manipulate symlinks in a path component of the scanned tree can replace a symlink with a directory entry pointing outside the module root between the lstat() call and the subsequent opendir() call, exposing files beyond the intended root in both daemon-mode and non-daemon sender-side scanning.
CVSS v4.0
Score 8.2high
Affected software
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Weaknesses
AI-Powered Analysis
Machine-generated threat intelligence
Technical Analysis
CVE-2026-53801 describes a vulnerability in rsync before version 3.5.0 where a symlink race condition in the sender's directory scanning logic allows an attacker to manipulate symlinks between the lstat() and opendir() calls. This can cause the sender to enumerate and transfer files outside the intended module root subtree, potentially exposing unauthorized files. The flaw affects both daemon-mode and non-daemon sender-side scanning. The vulnerability is identified as CWE-59 (Improper Link Resolution Before File Access).
Potential Impact
Attackers capable of creating or manipulating symlinks in the scanned directory path can cause rsync to transfer files outside the intended directory tree, potentially exposing sensitive files beyond the module root. This could lead to unauthorized data disclosure. The CVSS 4.0 score is 8.2 (high severity), indicating a significant risk if exploited.
Mitigation Recommendations
Patch status is not yet confirmed — check the vendor advisory for current remediation guidance. No official fix or patch information is provided at this time. Users should monitor the RsyncProject advisories for updates and consider restricting symlink creation permissions in directories scanned by rsync as a temporary precaution.
Technical Details
- Data Version
- 5.2
- Assigner Short Name
- VulnCheck
- Date Reserved
- 2026-06-10T20:14:32.828Z
- Cvss Version
- 4.0
- State
- PUBLISHED
- Remediation Level
- null
Threat ID: 6a7ddec6bf8831d5395cfd06
Added to database: 08/13/2026, 15:12:06 UTC
Last enriched: 08/13/2026, 15:43:34 UTC
Last updated: 08/13/2026, 17:43:31 UTC
Views: 3
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