CVE-2026-53797
Received Received - Intake

rsync Symlink Race Condition Before 3.5.0

Publication date: 2026-08-13

Last updated on: 2026-08-13

Assigner: VulnCheck

Description
rsync before 3.5.0 contains a symlink race condition vulnerability in the sender's source tree traversal that allows an attacker who can manipulate a parent directory of the source tree to redirect file reads to unintended paths. Attackers can atomically replace a parent directory component with a symlink pointing outside the source root between path resolution and file open operations to disclose file contents outside the intended transfer root.

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Meta Information

Published
2026-08-13
Last Modified
2026-08-13
Generated
2026-08-13
AI Q&A
2026-08-13
EPSS Evaluated
N/A
NVD
CVE-2026-53797
EUVD
EUVD-2026-58036

Affected Vendors & Products

Showing 2 associated CPEs
Vendor Product Version / Range
rsync rsync to 3.5.0 (exc)
rsync rsync to 3.4.4 (inc)

Helpful Resources

Exploitability

CWE
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KEV
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CWE ID Description
CWE-367 The product checks the state of a resource before using that resource, but the resource's state can change between the check and the use in a way that invalidates the results of the check.
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.

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Executive Summary

This is a symlink race condition in rsync versions before 3.5.0. An attacker who controls a parent directory of the source tree can replace it with a symlink pointing outside the intended transfer root. This happens between path resolution and file open operations, allowing file contents outside the source tree to be disclosed.

Detection Guidance

To detect this vulnerability, check the rsync version installed on your system. Run 'rsync --version' and verify if it is version 3.5.0 or later. If the version is 3.4.3 or earlier, your system is vulnerable.

Impact Analysis

If you use rsync to transfer files, an attacker with access to manipulate directories could read sensitive files outside the intended source tree. This could expose confidential data like passwords, configuration files, or other restricted information.

Compliance Impact

This vulnerability could lead to unauthorized access to sensitive data, violating compliance requirements like GDPR (data protection) or HIPAA (health information privacy). Unauthorized disclosure of personal or health data may result in legal penalties and reputational damage.

Mitigation Strategies

Upgrade rsync to version 3.5.0 or later immediately. If upgrading is not possible, avoid using rsync in scenarios where untrusted users can manipulate parent directories of the source tree.

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