Apache BuildStream: Improper Link Resolution Before File Access
CVE-2026-82331 is a critical-severity improper link resolution before file access vulnerability in Apache BuildStream from Apache, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 9.8 out of 10. It can be exploited remotely over the network by an unauthenticated attacker, without any action from a user. Affected Apache BuildStream versions: 2.8.0 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 0.41% chance of exploitation within 30 days, which is low compared with other CVEs.
Critical severity: a successful attack would have severe impact.
What to do
- Check which version of Apache BuildStream you run against the affected versions below, and install the vendor's latest release.
- Until you can update, restrict network access to the affected service so it is not reachable from untrusted networks.
Affected products and versions
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apache | Apache BuildStream | 2.8.0 and earlier | Not 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
- NoneNo action by a victim is required.
- 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:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H. Scored by CISA (ADP).
Official description
Improper link resolution before file access ('link following') vulnerability in the `tar` source plugin of Apache BuildStream running on Python < 3.12 allows malicious source tarballs to write files on the host, with the privileges of the user running BuildStream, via symlinks as part of source fetching. The impact of this issue is mitigated by: * BuildStream projects should only use trusted sources in their elements as otherwise the build output can also not be trusted * Tracking a source tarball pins its SHA256 hash, which prevents MITM attacks of users that are fetching an already tracked project * When running on Python >= 3.12, BuildStream >= 2.3.0 already makes use of the Python `tarfile` filter functionality, which blocks the symlink escape Users are recommended to upgrade to version 2.8.1, which fixes this issue.
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: yes, technical impact: total).
References
Other references
Recent Improper Link Resolution Before File Access vulnerabilities
- 8.2 High severity
- 9.4 Critical severity
- 8.4 High severity
- 8.4 High severity
- 7.1 High severity
- 8.8 High severity
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