CVE-2026-13218: kubevirt.io/kubevirt · KubeVirt virt-handler network cache symlink vulnerability allows arbitrary host file overwrite
Affects kubevirt.io/kubevirtSource GCVE Database
Not known to be exploited · CVSS 4.2 Medium.
Data as of 4 Nov 2026, 20:35 UTC
- EPSS
- 0.1% chance of exploitation in 30 days – higher than 3% of CVEsExploit Prediction Scoring System: the likelihood attackers will use this flaw soon.
CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:H/PR:L/UI:N/S:C/C:N/I:L/A:LExploitation evidence
Disclosed: evidence found.
CVE published 25 Jun 2026
Detectable: no evidence on record.
No public nuclei template indexed
Weaponized: no evidence on record.
No public exploit code indexed in Metasploit or Exploit-DB
Exploited in the wildExploited: no evidence on record.
Not in CISA KEV and no source reports exploitation
Observed by OffSeq MirageSeen by Mirage: no evidence on record.
No attack traffic recorded by OffSeq Mirage sensors
A missing step is not evidence of safety. Sources: cve.org (opens in a new tab), the Metasploit, Exploit-DB and nuclei-templates index as of 4 Nov 2026.
What to do
Affected software
| Product | Affected | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|
| Gokubevirt.io/kubevirt | Affected
| Fixed in– |
Check your own hosts for these packages with threat-finder (opens in a new tab), our free open-source scanner.
AI-suggested
Ensure virtual machines use the default masquerade network binding mode whenever possible. Restrict exec access to virt-launcher containers to trusted administrators only. Review and limit NetworkAttachmentDefinition resources to control which namespaces can configure bridge-type network interfaces. These mitigations reduce the risk by preventing the conditions required for exploitation.
Description
CVE-2026-13218 is a vulnerability in KubeVirt's virt-handler network cache handling where the WriteToCachedFile function lacks symlink protection. This allows a user with access to the virt-launcher container to plant a symlink that causes virt-handler to overwrite arbitrary host files with JSON content and change ownership. Exploitation requires non-default network configuration (bridge-type binding), exec access to the virt-launcher container, and is constrained by SELinux policies and content format limitations. The vulnerability is rated medium severity with a CVSS score of 4.2.
References
- nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-13218 (opens in a new tab)
- access.redhat.com/security/cve/CVE-2026-13218 (opens in a new tab)
- bugzilla.redhat.com/show_bug.cgi?id=2492654 (opens in a new tab)
- github.com/kubevirt/kubevirt (opens in a new tab)
- github.com/kubevirt/kubevirt/blob/e63503d2f3a166f79f0891f8e1c3450eb39f88ac/pkg/network/cache/cache.go (opens in a new tab)