CyberSecBulletin
CVE-2026-53795NVD status: Analyzed

rsync: Improper Link Resolution Before File Access

Published Updated By the CyberSecBulletin desk

CVE-2026-53795 is a high-severity improper link resolution before file access vulnerability in rsync from RsyncProject, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 8.1 out of 10. It can be exploited remotely over the network by an unauthenticated attacker, but only if a user takes part, for example by opening a link or file. Affected rsync versions: 3.4.4 and earlier. The record does not name a fixed version, so check the vendor advisory. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 0.4% 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. Check which version of rsync you run against the affected versions below, and install the vendor's latest release.
  2. Read the advisory on github.com for workarounds and exact fixed builds.
  3. Until you can update, restrict network access to the affected service so it is not reachable from untrusted networks.
  4. 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
RsyncProjectrsync3.4.4 and earlierNot stated

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
NetworkCan be exploited remotely over a network, including the internet.
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
NoneNo data is disclosed.
Integrity
HighData or code can be modified at will.
Availability
HighThe component can be taken down completely.

Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:N/I:H/A:H. Scored by CNA (vulncheck.com).

Scoring systemScoreSeverityScored by
CVSS 4.07.2HighCNA (vulncheck.com)
CVSS 3.18.1HighCNA (vulncheck.com)

Official description

rsync before 3.5.0 contains an arbitrary file write vulnerability that allows attackers to write files outside the intended destination tree by specifying an absolute path via --temp-dir or --link-dest options. The rename-confinement logic is bypassed when these options resolve to paths outside the destination tree, enabling attacker-controlled values to write files to arbitrary locations accessible to the rsync process.

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

  1. CVE record published.
  2. CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: none, automatable: yes, technical impact: total).
  3. Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).

References

Patches and release notes

Other vulnerabilities in rsync

All rsync vulnerabilities

Recent Improper Link Resolution Before File Access vulnerabilities

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