CVE-2026-7374
Symlink Validation Bypass in KubeVirt virt-handler
Publication date: 2026-05-26
Last updated on: 2026-05-26
Assigner: Red Hat, Inc.
Description
Description
CVSS Scores
EPSS Scores
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Meta Information
Affected Vendors & Products
| Vendor | Product | Version / Range |
|---|---|---|
| redhat | kubevirt | From 2026-04-29 (inc) |
Helpful Resources
Exploitability
| CWE ID | Description |
|---|---|
| CWE-59 | 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. |
Attack-Flow Graph
AI Powered Q&A
Can you explain this vulnerability to me?
CVE-2026-7374 is a vulnerability in KubeVirt's virt-handler component that allows privilege escalation and potential node compromise through improper symlink validation. An authenticated OpenShift user with edit permissions in a single namespace can exploit this by replacing a virtual machine console socket with a symlink to the host's container runtime socket (CRI-O). This hijacks virt-handler's privileged connection, enabling the attacker to access any Unix socket on the host.
How can this vulnerability impact me? :
This vulnerability can lead to full control of the node and the entire cluster. By exploiting the flaw, an attacker can escalate privileges and access any Unix socket on the host, potentially compromising the entire system running KubeVirt and OpenShift.
How can this vulnerability be detected on my network or system? Can you suggest some commands?
Detection of this vulnerability involves checking for unauthorized symlink replacements of the virtual machine console sockets within the virt-launcher pods in your OpenShift cluster.
Specifically, you can inspect the virt-launcher pods in the affected namespace to verify if the console socket has been replaced by a symlink pointing to the host's container runtime socket (CRI-O).
Commands to help detect this include:
- Use kubectl to exec into the virt-launcher pod: kubectl exec -n <namespace> -it <virt-launcher-pod> -- /bin/sh
- Within the pod, check the console socket file type and symlink target: ls -l /path/to/console/socket
- Look for symlinks pointing outside the expected directory, especially to the host's CRI-O socket, commonly located at /var/run/crio/crio.sock or similar.
- On the host, verify if any unexpected socket files or symlinks exist that could indicate exploitation.
What immediate steps should I take to mitigate this vulnerability?
Immediate mitigation steps include restricting the ability of authenticated OpenShift users with edit permissions to execute into virt-launcher pods and preventing unauthorized modification of console sockets.
Additionally, applying any available patches or updates to KubeVirt's virt-handler component that address the improper symlink validation vulnerability is critical.
Other recommended actions include:
- Review and tighten RBAC permissions to limit who can edit or exec into virt-launcher pods.
- Monitor and audit changes to socket files within virt-launcher pods.
- Consider isolating or restricting privileged container access to reduce the risk of socket hijacking.
How does this vulnerability affect compliance with common standards and regulations (like GDPR, HIPAA)?:
This vulnerability allows an authenticated user with limited permissions to escalate privileges and potentially gain full control over the node and entire cluster. Such unauthorized access and control over sensitive infrastructure can lead to breaches of confidentiality, integrity, and availability of data.
Consequently, exploitation of this flaw could result in violations of common standards and regulations such as GDPR and HIPAA, which mandate strict controls over access to sensitive data and systems, as well as requirements for maintaining data security and preventing unauthorized access.