CVE-2026-35372
A logic error in the ln utility of uutils coreutils allows the utility to dereference a symbolic link target even when the --no-dereference (or -n) flag is explicitly provided.
Does this matter?
Lower severity and a low EPSS score (0.14%). Track it; it rarely justifies an emergency change on its own.
Description
A logic error in the ln utility of uutils coreutils allows the utility to dereference a symbolic link target even when the --no-dereference (or -n) flag is explicitly provided. The implementation previously only honored the "no-dereference" intent if the --force (overwrite) mode was also enabled. This flaw causes ln to follow a symbolic link that points to a directory and create new links inside that target directory instead of treating the symbolic link itself as the destination. In environments where a privileged user or system script uses ln -n to update a symlink, a local attacker could manipulate existing symbolic links to redirect file creation into sensitive directories, potentially leading to unauthorized file creation or system misconfiguration.
- CVSS 3.1
- 5.0 MEDIUMCVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:R/S:U/C:N/I:H/A:N
- EPSS
- 0.14% probability · 4th percentile
- CISA KEV
- Not listed
- Weakness
- CWE-61
- Affected
- uutils/coreutils
- Source
- security@ubuntu.com
References
- https://github.com/uutils/coreutils/pull/11253Issue Tracking, Patch
- https://github.com/uutils/coreutils/releases/tag/0.8.0Release Notes
Source: NVD record, EPSS from FIRST.org, KEV from CISA. Refreshed daily.