HP Linux Imaging and Printing Software (HPLIP): UNIX Symbolic Link (Symlink) Following
CVE-2026-91099 is a critical-severity UNIX symbolic link (symlink) following vulnerability in HP Linux Imaging and Printing Software (HPLIP) from HP, 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. The record lists version 3.26.6 as the first without the flaw, so updating HP Linux Imaging and Printing Software (HPLIP) to that release or later removes the exposure. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 0.98% chance of exploitation within 30 days, higher than 63% of scored CVEs.
Critical severity: a successful attack would have severe impact.
What to do
- Update HP Linux Imaging and Printing Software (HPLIP) to 3.26.6 or a later version.
- Update Linux Imaging And Printing to 3.26.6 or a later version.
- Read the advisory on support.hp.com for workarounds and exact fixed builds.
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| HP | HP Linux Imaging and Printing Software (HPLIP) | before 3.26.6 | 3.26.6 |
| HP | Linux Imaging And Printing | before 3.26.6 | 3.26.6 |
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 NVD.
| Scoring system | Score | Severity | Scored by |
|---|---|---|---|
| CVSS 4.0 | 5.1 | Medium | CNA (hp.com) |
| CVSS 3.1 | 9.8 | Critical | NVD |
Official description
HP has identified and remediated multiple externally reported vulnerabilities within HPLIP. The findings affect several software components that could potentially enable remote code execution, privilege escalation, denial of service, information disclosure, or unauthorized file modification under certain conditions.
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: partial).
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Other vulnerabilities in HP Linux Imaging and Printing Software (HPLIP)
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
Recent UNIX Symbolic Link (Symlink) Following vulnerabilities
- 7.4 High severity
- 7.8 High severity
- 7.3 High severity
- 7.1 High severity
- 8.2 High severity
- 8.8 High severity
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