CVE-2026-63293: CWE-59 Improper Link Resolution Before File Access ('Link Following') in Canonical LXD
A link following vulnerability in LXD allows an attacker to achieve arbitrary file read and write operations on the host system. When importing or unpacking an image archive, LXD fails to validate whether the metadata.yaml file is a symbolic link. An attacker can exploit this flaw by providing a crafted image archive with a symlinked metadata.yaml file pointing to target file paths on the host system.
AI Analysis
Technical Summary
This vulnerability (CWE-59) in Canonical LXD involves improper link resolution before file access during the import or unpacking of image archives. Specifically, LXD fails to check if the metadata.yaml file is a symbolic link, which can be exploited by an attacker supplying a malicious archive. This allows arbitrary file read and write on the host system, potentially compromising confidentiality, integrity, and availability. The CVSS 3.1 base score is 9.9, reflecting network attack vector, low attack complexity, privileges required, no user interaction, scope change, and high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. Affected versions include multiple releases from 4.0.0 through versions prior to 4.0.12, 5.0.0 through prior to 5.0.8, 5.21.0 through prior to 5.21.6, and 6.0 through prior to 6.10. No official patch or remediation level is currently stated.
Potential Impact
Successful exploitation allows attackers with some privileges to read and write arbitrary files on the host system running LXD. This can lead to full system compromise, data theft, or disruption of services. The vulnerability affects confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the host environment.
Mitigation Recommendations
Patch status is not yet confirmed — check the vendor advisory for current remediation guidance. Until an official fix is released, avoid importing untrusted image archives and restrict privileges to trusted users only. Monitor vendor communications for updates on patches or official mitigations.
CVE-2026-63293: CWE-59 Improper Link Resolution Before File Access ('Link Following') in Canonical LXD
Description
A link following vulnerability in LXD allows an attacker to achieve arbitrary file read and write operations on the host system. When importing or unpacking an image archive, LXD fails to validate whether the metadata.yaml file is a symbolic link. An attacker can exploit this flaw by providing a crafted image archive with a symlinked metadata.yaml file pointing to target file paths on the host system.
CVSS v3.1
Score 9.9critical
Affected software
Canonical
LXD
pkg:github/LXDRun on your own infrastructure? Check whether these packages are installed with threat-finder — our free open-source scanner.
Weaknesses
AI-Powered Analysis
Machine-generated threat intelligence
Technical Analysis
This vulnerability (CWE-59) in Canonical LXD involves improper link resolution before file access during the import or unpacking of image archives. Specifically, LXD fails to check if the metadata.yaml file is a symbolic link, which can be exploited by an attacker supplying a malicious archive. This allows arbitrary file read and write on the host system, potentially compromising confidentiality, integrity, and availability. The CVSS 3.1 base score is 9.9, reflecting network attack vector, low attack complexity, privileges required, no user interaction, scope change, and high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. Affected versions include multiple releases from 4.0.0 through versions prior to 4.0.12, 5.0.0 through prior to 5.0.8, 5.21.0 through prior to 5.21.6, and 6.0 through prior to 6.10. No official patch or remediation level is currently stated.
Potential Impact
Successful exploitation allows attackers with some privileges to read and write arbitrary files on the host system running LXD. This can lead to full system compromise, data theft, or disruption of services. The vulnerability affects confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the host environment.
Mitigation Recommendations
Patch status is not yet confirmed — check the vendor advisory for current remediation guidance. Until an official fix is released, avoid importing untrusted image archives and restrict privileges to trusted users only. Monitor vendor communications for updates on patches or official mitigations.
Technical Details
- Data Version
- 5.2
- Assigner Short Name
- canonical
- Date Reserved
- 2026-07-16T09:49:29.911Z
- Cvss Version
- 3.1
- State
- PUBLISHED
Threat ID: 6a7cd705bf8831d5391ea001
Added to database: 08/12/2026, 20:26:45 UTC
Last enriched: 08/12/2026, 20:41:22 UTC
Last updated: 09/26/2026, 13:47:47 UTC
Views: 73
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