Nomad: Improper Link Resolution Before File Access
CVE-2026-119168 is a high-severity improper link resolution before file access vulnerability in Nomad from HashiCorp, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 8.8 out of 10. It can be exploited with local access to the system by an attacker with a low-privileged account, without any action from a user. The record lists version 2.1.1 as the first without the flaw, so updating Nomad to that release or later removes the exposure. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 0.13% chance of exploitation within 30 days, which is low compared with other CVEs.
High severity with no evidence of exploitation so far.
What to do
- Update Nomad to 2.1.1 or a later version.
- Update Nomad Enterprise to 2.1.0 or a later version.
Affected products and versions
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| HashiCorp | Nomad | 0.5.3 up to, but not including, 2.1.1 | 2.1.1 |
| HashiCorp | Nomad Enterprise | 0.5.3 up to, but not including, 2.1.0 | 2.1.0 |
Version data comes from the organisation that assigned the CVE. Confirm against the vendor advisory before deciding you are unaffected.
How the severity score breaks down
- Attack vector
- LocalThe attacker needs local access or must trick a user into running something.
- Attack complexity
- LowNo special conditions are needed; the attack works reliably.
- Privileges required
- LowA basic user account is enough.
- User interaction
- NoneNo action by a victim is required.
- Scope
- ChangedThe attack can reach beyond the vulnerable component into other systems.
- Confidentiality
- HighAll data handled by the component can be read.
- Integrity
- HighData or code can be modified at will.
- Availability
- HighThe component can be taken down completely.
Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H. Scored by CNA (hashicorp.com).
Official description
HashiCorp Nomad and Nomad Enterprise are vulnerable to symlink following during same-client allocation data migration that may allow a malicious workload to change permissions and ownership of host directories. This could allow unauthorized access to host data or modification of host files, potentially leading to privilege escalation. This vulnerability (CVE-2026-119168) is fixed in Nomad 2.1.1 and Nomad Enterprise 2.1.0, 1.11.12, and 1.10.18.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Improper Link Resolution Before File Access
The product attempts to access a file based on the filename, but it does not properly prevent that filename from identifying a link or shortcut that resolves to an unintended resource.
How developers prevent this class of flaw
- Follow the principle of least privilege when assigning access rights to entities in a software system. Denying access to a file can prevent an attacker from replacing that file with a link to a sensitive file. Ensure good compartmentalization in the system to provide protected areas that can be trusted.
More Improper Link Resolution Before File Access vulnerabilities (CWE-59)
Timeline
- CVE record published.
- CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: none, automatable: no, technical impact: total).
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Other references
Other vulnerabilities in Nomad
- 8.4 High severity
- 8.7 High severity
- 7.7 High severity
- 8.8 High severity
- 8.1 High severity
- 7.6 High severity
Recent Improper Link Resolution Before File Access vulnerabilities
- 7.5 High severity
- 8.2 High severity
- 7.2 High severity
- 8.1 High severity
- 8.8 High severity
- 7.3 High severity
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