AppSync: UNIX Symbolic Link (Symlink) Following
CVE-2026-32657 is a high-severity UNIX symbolic link (symlink) following vulnerability in AppSync from Dell, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.3 out of 10. It can be exploited with local access to the system by an attacker with a low-privileged account, but only if a user takes part, for example by opening a link or file. The record lists version 4.6.0.4 or later as the first without the flaw, so updating AppSync to that release or later removes the exposure. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 0.17% 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 AppSync to 4.6.0.4 or later or a later version.
- Update Metro Node to 4.6.0.4 or later or a later version.
- Update UCC Edge to 3.0.2 or later or a later version.
- 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
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dell | AppSync | before 4.6.0.4 or later | 4.6.0.4 or later |
| Dell | Metro Node | before 4.6.0.4 or later | 4.6.0.4 or later |
| Dell | UCC Edge | before 3.0.2 or later | 3.0.2 or later |
| Dell | VxRail | before 8.0.330 or later | 8.0.330 or later |
| Dell | PowerMax | before 10.3.1.0 Patch 11248 or later | 10.3.1.0 Patch 11248 or later |
| Dell | Unity | before 5.5.2 or later | 5.5.2 or later |
| Dell | PowerFlex Manager | before 4.5.5 or later | 4.5.5 or later |
| Dell | PowerFlex Intelligent Catalog | before 48.383.00 or later; before 48.378.00 or later | 48.383.00 or later, 48.378.00 or later |
| Dell | PowerFlex Rack | before 4.5.5 or later | 4.5.5 or later |
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
- 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:L/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H. Scored by CNA (emc.com).
Official description
Dell AppSync Version 4.6.0.0, Dell Metro Node Version 8.0.0, Dell UCC Edge Version 3.0.1, Dell VxRail Version 8.0.322, Dell PowerMax Version 10.3.0, Dell Unity Version 5.4, Dell PowerFlex Manager Version 4.5.4, Dell PowerFlex Intelligent Catalog Versions 46.377.00 and 46.382.00 and Dell PowerFlex Rack version 4.5.4 and prior versions, contain(s) an UNIX Symbolic Link (Symlink) Following vulnerability. A low privileged attacker with local access could potentially exploit this vulnerability, leading to Elevation of privileges.
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
- 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 AppSync
- 7.3 High severity
- 7.3 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 8.8 High severity
Recent UNIX Symbolic Link (Symlink) Following vulnerabilities
- 7.1 High severity
- 8.2 High severity
- 8.8 High severity
- 7.3 High severity
- 7.1 High severity
- 7.8 High severity
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