PatchTheCVECVE-2020-36566: Due to improper path sanitization, archives containing relative file paths can cause files to be written (or o
CVE-2020-36566 is a critical-severity flaw (CVSS 9.1) affecting tar-utils. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.
Due to improper path sanitization, archives containing relative file paths can cause files to be written (or overwritten) outside of the target directory.
Why this priority
- Critical severity
- Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action
A fixed release or distro patch exists.
Risk facts
| CVSS score | 9.1 (Critical) |
| Attack vector | Network (remote) |
| Attack complexity | Low |
| Privileges needed | None |
| User interaction | None |
| EPSS exploit chance | 1.1% (top 34%) |
| CISA exploited list | No |
| Weakness | CWE-22 |
| Published | 2022-12-27 |
| Last modified | 2026-06-17 |
Last updated 2026-06-17 · Sources: CVE Program, NVD, CISA KEV, EPSS and vendor advisories · How we score
Am I affected?
Timeline
- Published CVE record published
- Updated Record last modified
Scores and fixes here are computed automatically from those and other public sources. Confirm with the vendor advisory before changing production systems.
Quick answers
How do I fix CVE-2020-36566?
tar-utils: upgrade to 0.0.0-20201201191210-20a61371de5b. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.
Is CVE-2020-36566 being exploited?
CVE-2020-36566 is not on the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities list at the time of the last update. Check again, as this can change.
What does CVE-2020-36566 affect?
CVE-2020-36566 affects tar-utils. Severity is critical (CVSS 9.1). Due to improper path sanitization, archives containing relative file paths can cause files to be written (or overwritten) outside of the target directory.
How urgent is CVE-2020-36566?
Priority 53/100. Critical severity; Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action