SUSE Linux Enterprise: Path Traversal: '.../...//'
CVE-2026-44933 is a high-severity path traversal: '.../...//' vulnerability in SUSE Linux Enterprise from SUSE, 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 17.38.9 as the first without the flaw, so updating SUSE Linux Enterprise to that release or later removes the exposure. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 0.22% 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 SUSE Linux Enterprise to 17.38.9 or a later version.
- Update openSUSE to 17.38.9 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| SUSE | SUSE Linux Enterprise | 17.38.8 up to, but not including, 17.38.9 | 17.38.9 |
| SUSE | openSUSE | 17.38.8 up to, but not including, 17.38.9 | 17.38.9 |
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 (suse.de).
| Scoring system | Score | Severity | Scored by |
|---|---|---|---|
| CVSS 4.0 | 8.5 | High | CNA (suse.de) |
| CVSS 3.1 | 7.8 | High | CNA (suse.de) |
Official description
`PluginScript` attempts to `chroot` the plugin to the `repoManagerRoot`, this root is frequently `/` (the system root) in standard configurations or when using `--root`. If the chroot target is `/`, it is a no-op, allowing the traversed path to execute host binaries (like `/bin/bash`) with root privileges.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Path Traversal: '.../...//'
The product uses external input to construct a pathname that should be within a restricted directory, but it does not properly neutralize '.../...//' (doubled triple dot slash) sequences that can resolve to a location that is outside of that directory.
How developers prevent this class of flaw
- Inputs should be decoded and canonicalized to the application's current internal representation before being validated (CWE-180). Make sure that the application does not decode the same input twice (CWE-174). Such errors could be used to bypass allowlist validation schemes by introducing dangerous inputs after they have been checked.
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
Recent Path Traversal: '.../...//' vulnerabilities
- 9.1 Critical severity
- 8.7 High severity
- 8.4 High severity
- 7.3 High severity
- 7.8 High severity
- 8.8 High severity
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