CVE-2026-35372

CVE-2026-35372 is a medium-severity vulnerability in Uutils Coreutils with a CVSS 3.x base score of 5.0. It is not currently listed as actively exploited by CISA, and its EPSS exploit-prediction score is low. The underlying weakness is classified as CWE-61.

Key facts

Description

A logic error in the ln utility of uutils coreutils allows the utility to dereference a symbolic link target even when the --no-dereference (or -n) flag is explicitly provided. The implementation previously only honored the "no-dereference" intent if the --force (overwrite) mode was also enabled. This flaw causes ln to follow a symbolic link that points to a directory and create new links inside that target directory instead of treating the symbolic link itself as the destination. In environments where a privileged user or system script uses ln -n to update a symlink, a local attacker could manipulate existing symbolic links to redirect file creation into sensitive directories, potentially leading to unauthorized file creation or system misconfiguration.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2026-35372?
A logic error in the ln utility of uutils coreutils allows the utility to dereference a symbolic link target even when the --no-dereference (or -n) flag is explicitly provided. The implementation previously only honored the "no-dereference" intent if the --force (overwrite) mode was also enabled. This flaw causes ln to follow a symbolic link that points to a directory and create new links inside that target directory instead of treating the symbolic link itself as the destination. In environments where a privileged user or system script uses ln -n to update a symlink, a local attacker could manipulate existing symbolic links to redirect file creation into sensitive directories, potentially leading to unauthorized file creation or system misconfiguration.
How severe is CVE-2026-35372?
CVE-2026-35372 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 5.0, rated medium severity. It is exploitable over local access with low attack complexity, requires low privileges and user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is none, integrity high, and availability none.
Is CVE-2026-35372 being actively exploited?
It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (4th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2026-35372?
CVE-2026-35372 affects Uutils Coreutils. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.
How do I fix CVE-2026-35372?
Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround.
Does CVE-2026-35372 have an EU (EUVD) identifier?
Yes. CVE-2026-35372 is tracked in the ENISA EU Vulnerability Database (EUVD) as EUVD-2026-25020.
When was CVE-2026-35372 published?
CVE-2026-35372 was published on 2026-04-22 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

Affected products (1)

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