CVE-2026-15791
Received Received - Intake

BuildKit Temporary Directory Deletion Vulnerability

Publication date: 2026-07-21

Last updated on: 2026-07-21

Assigner: Docker Inc.

Description
A crafted message in the BuildKit low-level build API can be used to remove the contents of the /tmp directory. The action that can normally be used to delete files inside the build container rootfs can escape into the real host temp directory.

CVSS Scores

EPSS Scores

Probability:
Percentile:

Meta Information

Published
2026-07-21
Last Modified
2026-07-21
Generated
2026-07-21
AI Q&A
2026-07-21
EPSS Evaluated
N/A
NVD
CVE-2026-15791
EUVD
EUVD-2026-46310

Affected Vendors & Products

Showing 1 associated CPE
Vendor Product Version / Range
docker buildkit to 0.31.1 (inc)

Helpful Resources

Exploitability

CWE
CWE Icon
KEV
KEV Icon
CWE ID Description
CWE-22 The product uses external input to construct a pathname that is intended to identify a file or directory that is located underneath a restricted parent directory, but the product does not properly neutralize special elements within the pathname that can cause the pathname to resolve to a location that is outside of the restricted directory.

Attack-Flow Graph

AI Quick Actions

Instant insights powered by AI
Executive Summary

This vulnerability involves a crafted message in the BuildKit low-level build API that can delete files in the host system's /tmp directory. The issue allows path traversal, where file deletion operations meant for the build container escape to the host's /tmp directory. It affects BuildKit versions up to v0.31.1 and requires a custom BuildKit frontend to exploit.

Detection Guidance

To detect this vulnerability, check the version of BuildKit installed on your system. Run: docker buildx version. If the version is below v0.31.2, the system is vulnerable. Additionally, review any custom BuildKit frontends or low-level API usage in your environment.

Impact Analysis

An attacker could delete critical files in the host's /tmp directory, potentially causing system instability or data loss. However, exploitation requires access to the low-level API and a custom frontend, limiting the attack surface.

Compliance Impact

This vulnerability could potentially impact compliance with GDPR and HIPAA by allowing unauthorized deletion of files in the host's /tmp directory. If sensitive data resides in /tmp, its deletion could violate data integrity and availability requirements under these regulations.

Mitigation Strategies

Upgrade BuildKit to version v0.31.2 or later. This can be done by updating Docker or BuildKit components. Avoid using custom BuildKit frontends that interact with the low-level API unless absolutely necessary.

Chat Assistant

Ask questions about this CVE
Hi! I’m here to help you understand CVE-2026-15791. Ask me anything about the vulnerability, its impact, or mitigation strategies.
0/70

EPSS Chart