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CVE-2026-12958NVD status: Awaiting Analysis

Language Servers for AWS: UNIX Symbolic Link (Symlink) Following

CVE-2026-12958 is a high-severity UNIX symbolic link (symlink) following vulnerability in Language Servers for AWS from Amazon Web Services, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.8 out of 10. It can be exploited with local access to the system by an unauthenticated attacker, but only if a user takes part, for example by opening a link or file. The record lists version 1.69.0 as the first without the flaw, so updating Language Servers for AWS to that release or later removes the exposure. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 0.19% chance of exploitation within 30 days, which is low compared with other CVEs.

Next patch cycle

High severity with no evidence of exploitation so far.

What to do

  1. Update Language Servers for AWS to 1.69.0 or a later version.
  2. Read the advisory on aws.amazon.com for workarounds and exact fixed builds.
  3. Because the attack needs a user to take part, warn users about unexpected links and files related to this product until it is patched.

Affected products and versions

VendorProductAffected versionsFixed in
Amazon Web ServicesLanguage Servers for AWSbefore 1.69.01.69.0

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
NoneNo account or login is needed.
User interaction
RequiredA user must take an action such as opening a file or link.
Scope
UnchangedImpact stays within the vulnerable component.
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:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H. Scored by CNA.

Scoring systemScoreSeverityScored by
CVSS 4.08.5HighCNA
CVSS 3.17.8HighCNA

Official description

Missing symlink validation in Language Servers for AWS may allow an arbitrary file write outside of the workspace trust boundary. This may occur when a local user opens a workspace with a maliciously crafted symlink that resolves to a file path outside the workspace trust boundary. To remediate this issue, users should upgrade to version 1.69.0 or higher.

Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.

The underlying weakness: UNIX Symbolic Link (Symlink) Following

The product, when opening a file or directory, does not sufficiently account for when the file is a symbolic link that resolves to a target outside of the intended control sphere. This could allow an attacker to cause the product to operate on unauthorized files.

How developers prevent this class of flaw

  • Symbolic link attacks often occur when a program creates a tmp directory that stores files/links. Access to the directory should be restricted to the program as to prevent attackers from manipulating the files.
  • 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 UNIX Symbolic Link (Symlink) Following vulnerabilities (CWE-61)

Timeline

  1. CVE record published.
  2. CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: none, automatable: no, technical impact: total).
  3. Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).

References

Other vulnerabilities in Language Servers for AWS

All Language Servers for AWS vulnerabilities

Recent UNIX Symbolic Link (Symlink) Following vulnerabilities

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