CVE-2026-53802
CVE-2026-53802 is a high-severity vulnerability with a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.1. 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
- Severity: High (CVSS 3.x base score 7.1)
- CVSS v4: 8.4
- EPSS exploit prediction: 0% (4th percentile)
- Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
- Weakness: CWE-61
- Published:
- Last modified:
Description
rsync before 3.5.0 contains an arbitrary file read vulnerability that allows attackers to read files accessible to the rsync daemon process by exploiting symlink following in input configuration file handling including --files-from, --password-file, and filter merge files. Attackers can place a symlink at a predictable --files-from or --password-file path, or supply a --files-from path that escapes the daemon module root, to read arbitrary files accessible to the rsync process.
Frequently asked questions
- What is CVE-2026-53802?
- rsync before 3.5.0 contains an arbitrary file read vulnerability that allows attackers to read files accessible to the rsync daemon process by exploiting symlink following in input configuration file handling including --files-from, --password-file, and filter merge files. Attackers can place a symlink at a predictable --files-from or --password-file path, or supply a --files-from path that escapes the daemon module root, to read arbitrary files accessible to the rsync process.
- How severe is CVE-2026-53802?
- CVE-2026-53802 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.1, rated high severity. It is exploitable over local access with low attack complexity, requires low privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability none.
- Is CVE-2026-53802 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.
- How do I fix CVE-2026-53802?
- Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its high severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.
- When was CVE-2026-53802 published?
- CVE-2026-53802 was published on 2026-08-13 and last updated on 2026-08-14.
References
- https://github.com/RsyncProject/rsync/releases/tag/v3.5.0
- https://github.com/RsyncProject/rsync/security/advisories/GHSA-4mfr-8jrv-49x4
- https://www.vulncheck.com/advisories/rsync-arbitrary-file-read-via-symlink-following
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