CVE-2026-11837 — HIGH (7.3)

Vulnerability Description

A local privilege escalation vulnerability was found in the ansible.posix authorized_key module. The module's keyfile() function uses os.chown() instead of os.lchown() and opens files without O_NOFOLLOW when managing SSH authorized keys. An unprivileged local user can pre-stage symbolic links in their ~/.ssh directory to redirect file ownership changes to arbitrary system paths when an operator runs the authorized_key task as root, leading to local privilege escalation.

CVSS Score

7.3

HIGH

CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

Attack Vector

LOCAL

Attack Complexity

LOW

Privileges Required

LOW

User Interaction

REQUIRED

Scope

UNCHANGED

Confidentiality

HIGH

Integrity

HIGH

Availability

HIGH

Related Weaknesses (CWE)

CWE-59

References

FAQ

What is CVE-2026-11837?

CVE-2026-11837 is a vulnerability with a CVSS score of 7.3 (HIGH). A local privilege escalation vulnerability was found in the ansible.posix authorized_key module. The module's keyfile() function uses os.chown() instead of os.lchown() and opens files without O_NOFOLL...

How severe is CVE-2026-11837?

CVE-2026-11837 has been rated HIGH with a CVSS base score of 7.3/10. Review the CVSS metrics above for detailed severity breakdown.

Is there a patch for CVE-2026-11837?

Check the references section above for vendor advisories and patch information. Review vendor security bulletins for remediation guidance.