Vulnerability Description
Archive::Tar versions before 3.08 for Perl extract symlinks with attacker controlled targets outside the extraction directory. _make_special_file() passes the tar header's linkname to symlink() without validating it against absolute paths or .. segments. The secure-extract mode check that guards regular file extraction does not cover the symlink target. A subsequent open through the extracted name reads or writes the attacker chosen path.
CVSS Score
CRITICAL
Affected Products
| Vendor | Product | Versions |
|---|---|---|
| Archive\ | \ | < 3.08, tar_project |
Related Weaknesses (CWE)
References
- https://github.com/jib/archive-tar-new/commit/17c873492a05eddc0de18c1485e0b2cccdPatch
- https://metacpan.org/release/BINGOS/Archive-Tar-3.08/changesRelease Notes
- https://www.cve.org/CVERecord?id=CVE-2026-42497Third Party Advisory
- https://access.redhat.com/errata/RHSA-2026:30851
- https://access.redhat.com/errata/RHSA-2026:30852
- https://access.redhat.com/errata/RHSA-2026:30856
- https://access.redhat.com/errata/RHSA-2026:30857
- https://access.redhat.com/security/cve/CVE-2026-42496
- https://bugzilla.redhat.com/show_bug.cgi?id=2481314
- https://security.access.redhat.com/data/csaf/v2/vex/2026/cve-2026-42496.json
FAQ
What is CVE-2026-42496?
CVE-2026-42496 is a vulnerability with a CVSS score of 9.1 (CRITICAL). Archive::Tar versions before 3.08 for Perl extract symlinks with attacker controlled targets outside the extraction directory. _make_special_file() passes the tar header's linkname to symlink() witho...
How severe is CVE-2026-42496?
CVE-2026-42496 has been rated CRITICAL with a CVSS base score of 9.1/10. This is considered a critical vulnerability requiring immediate attention.
Is there a patch for CVE-2026-42496?
Check the references section above for vendor advisories and patch information. Affected products include: Archive\ \.