CVE-2021-38197: unarr.go in go-unarr (aka Go bindings for unarr) 0.1.1 allows Directory Traversal via ../ in a pathname within

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CRITICAL 9.8REMOTEDOWNGRADE

CVE-2021-38197 is a critical-severity flaw (CVSS 9.8) affecting go-unarr. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

unarr.go in go-unarr (aka Go bindings for unarr) 0.1.1 allows Directory Traversal via ../ in a pathname within a TAR archive.

Why this priority

Critical severity
Public exploit reference
Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action

No fix is published yet: follow the downgrade or mitigation steps.

Risk facts

CVSS score	9.8 (Critical)
Attack vector	Network (remote)
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	None
User interaction	None
EPSS exploit chance	2.1% (top 18%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-22
Published	2021-08-08
Last modified	2026-06-17

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: go-unarr project

Last updated 2026-06-17 · Sources: CVE Program, NVD, CISA KEV, EPSS and vendor advisories · How we score

Am I affected?

Timeline

2021-08-08 16:15 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-17 04:01 UTCUpdated Record last modified

go-unarr project go-unarr DOWNGRADE

Affected: 0.1.1

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 0.1.1

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy go-unarr || rpm -q go-unarr || go-unarr --version

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 0.1.1 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison go-unarr sudo apt install go-unarr=<VERSION_BEFORE_0.1.1> sudo apt-mark hold go-unarr

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

dnf --showduplicates list go-unarr sudo dnf downgrade go-unarr-<VERSION_BEFORE_0.1.1> sudo dnf versionlock add go-unarr

Downgrade risk

Downgrading can break dependent software and may reopen older bugs. Read the distro advisory first and test on a non-production host.

After downgrade

Restart the service, and keep the package held until a fixed release ships.

Verify at the official source NVD · CVE Program · Report a problem with this page
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-2021-38197?

go-unarr: downgrade or apply the listed mitigation. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2021-38197 being exploited?

CVE-2021-38197 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-2021-38197 affect?

CVE-2021-38197 affects go-unarr. Severity is critical (CVSS 9.8). unarr.go in go-unarr (aka Go bindings for unarr) 0.1.1 allows Directory Traversal via ../ in a pathname within a TAR archive.

How urgent is CVE-2021-38197?

Priority 65/100. Critical severity; Public exploit reference; Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action

References

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