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CVE-2026-42496

Archive::tar path traversal

9.1 CRITICALEPSS 0.43%
  1. Published26 May 2026

Description

Archive::Tar versions before 3.08 for Perl extract symlinks with attacker controlled targets outside the extraction directory. _make_special_file() passes the tar header's linkname to symlink() without validating it against absolute paths or .. segments. The secure-extract mode check that guards regular file extraction does not cover the symlink target. A subsequent open through the extracted name reads or writes the attacker chosen path.

CVSS 3.1 breakdown

Attack vectorNetwork
Attack complexityLow
Privileges requiredNone
User interactionNone
ScopeUnchanged
ConfidentialityHigh
IntegrityHigh
AvailabilityNone
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:N

Affected products

Archive::tar< 3.08

Remediation

Fixed in
Archive::tar≥ 3.08

Frequently asked

Is CVE-2026-42496 being actively exploited?

CVE-2026-42496 is not in the CISA KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit probability is 0.43%.

How severe is CVE-2026-42496?

CVE-2026-42496 has a CVSS 3.1 base score of 9.1, rated critical. EPSS estimates a 0.43% probability of exploitation.

Which products are affected by CVE-2026-42496?

Affected products include Archive::tar.

How do I fix CVE-2026-42496?

Upgrade affected software to a fixed version, for example Archive::tar 3.08 or later, then confirm no affected versions remain in your inventory.

How Secuno handles this

Secuno correlates vulnerabilities like CVE-2026-42496 against the real software inventory on every managed device, as each hourly inventory arrives. 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.

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Data from the NVD, CISA KEV catalog and FIRST EPSS. CVSS 3.1 base score shown where available.