CVE-2026-23954
Linuxcontainers Incus path traversal
- Published22 Jan 2026
Description
Incus is a system container and virtual machine manager. Versions 6.21.0 and below allow a user with the ability to launch a container with a custom image (e.g a member of the ‘incus’ group) to use directory traversal or symbolic links in the templating functionality to achieve host arbitrary file read, and host arbitrary file write. This ultimately results in arbitrary command execution on the host. When using an image with a metadata.yaml containing templates, both the source and target paths are not checked for symbolic links or directory traversal. This can also be exploited in IncusOS. A fix is planned for versions 6.0.6 and 6.21.0, but they have not been released at the time of publication.
CVSS 3.1 breakdown
CVSS:3.1/AV:A/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:NAffected products
Remediation
References
- https://github.com/lxc/incus/blob/HEAD/internal/server/instance/drivers/driver_lxc.go#L7215
- https://github.com/lxc/incus/blob/HEAD/internal/server/instance/drivers/driver_lxc.go#L7294
- https://github.com/lxc/incus/security/advisories/GHSA-7f67-crqm-jgh7
- https://github.com/user-attachments/files/24473599/template_arbitrary_write.sh
- https://github.com/user-attachments/files/24473601/templates_arbitrary_write.patch
Related CVEs
Recent high-severity vulnerabilities sharing a weakness type.
Frequently asked
Is CVE-2026-23954 being actively exploited?
CVE-2026-23954 is not in the CISA KEV catalog. A public exploit reference exists, so treat it as exploitable. Its EPSS exploit probability is 0.79%.
How severe is CVE-2026-23954?
CVE-2026-23954 has a CVSS 3.1 base score of 8.7, rated high. EPSS estimates a 0.79% probability of exploitation.
Which products are affected by CVE-2026-23954?
Affected products include Linuxcontainers Incus.
How do I fix CVE-2026-23954?
Upgrade affected software to a fixed version, for example Linuxcontainers Incus 6.21.0 or later, then confirm no affected versions remain in your inventory.
How Secuno handles this
Secuno correlates vulnerabilities like CVE-2026-23954 against the real software inventory on every managed device, every day. Rather than a static severity, each match is scored in context: exploit availability, EPSS, the asset's exposure, and business criticality decide where it lands in the queue. If an affected version is present anywhere across your portfolio, it surfaces automatically with a prioritised remediation path.
Data from the NVD, CISA KEV catalog and FIRST EPSS. CVSS 3.1 base score shown where available.