Red Hat Container Native Virtualization 4.17: Improper Link Resolution Before File Access
CVE-2026-9804 is a high-severity improper link resolution before file access vulnerability in Red Hat Container Native Virtualization 4.17 from Red Hat, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.7 out of 10. It can be exploited remotely over the network by an attacker with a low-privileged account, without any action from a user. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 0.52% 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
- Check which version of Red Hat Container Native Virtualization 4.17 you run against the affected versions below, and install the vendor's latest release.
Affected products and versions
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Red Hat | Red Hat Container Native Virtualization 4.17 | Not specified in the record | Not stated |
| Red Hat | Red Hat Container Native Virtualization 4.18 | Not specified in the record | Not stated |
| Red Hat | Red Hat Container Native Virtualization 4.19 | Not specified in the record | Not stated |
| Red Hat | Red Hat Container Native Virtualization 4.20 | Not specified in the record | Not stated |
| Red Hat | Red Hat Container Native Virtualization 4.21 | Not specified in the record | Not stated |
| Red Hat | Red Hat OpenShift Virtualization 4 | Not specified in the record | 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
- LowA basic user account is enough.
- User interaction
- NoneNo action by a victim is required.
- Scope
- ChangedThe attack can reach beyond the vulnerable component into other systems.
- Confidentiality
- HighAll data handled by the component can be read.
- Integrity
- NoneNothing can be modified.
- Availability
- NoneAvailability is not affected.
Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:N/A:N. Scored by CNA (redhat.com).
| Scoring system | Score | Severity | Scored by |
|---|---|---|---|
| CVSS 3.1 | 7.7 | High | CNA (redhat.com) |
| CVSS 3.1 | 7.7 | High | CNA |
Official description
A flaw was found in KubeVirt's virt-exportserver component. An attacker with specific namespace-level access can exploit a path traversal vulnerability in the VMExport directory endpoint. By placing a symbolic link (symlink) within an exported filesystem Persistent Volume Claim (PVC) that points outside its designated mount root, the attacker can read arbitrary files from the exporter pod's filesystem. This leads to information disclosure, potentially exposing sensitive data.
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: no, technical impact: partial).
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Other references
- access.redhat.com/errata/RHSA-2026:27903
- access.redhat.com/errata/RHSA-2026:27913
- access.redhat.com/errata/RHSA-2026:27914
- access.redhat.com/errata/RHSA-2026:27983
- access.redhat.com/errata/RHSA-2026:28002
- access.redhat.com/security/cve/CVE-2026-9804
- bugzilla.redhat.com/show_bug.cgi?id=2482487
- security.access.redhat.com/data/csaf/v2/vex/2026/cve-2026-9804.json
Other vulnerabilities in Red Hat Container Native Virtualization 4.17
- 8.8 High severity
- 7.7 High severity
- 7.3 High severity
- 9.9 Critical severity
Recent Improper Link Resolution Before File Access vulnerabilities
- 9.9 Critical severity
- 7.9 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 9.1 Critical severity
- 7.8 High severity
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