CVE-2026-16033: A path traversal vulnerability in LXD allows an attacker to achieve arbitrary host file read or unconstrained

This month

HIGH 8.5UPGRADE

CVE-2026-16033 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 8.5) affecting lxd. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

A path traversal vulnerability in LXD allows an attacker to achieve arbitrary host file read or unconstrained file creation. When processing image metadata templates, LXD fails to properly sanitize or restrict template file paths from escaping the instance templates directory (specifically affecting virtual machine / QEMU driver execution paths). An attacker can exploit this flaw by providing a crafted image archive with malicious template direct

Why this priority

High severity
Public exploit reference

A fixed release or distro patch exists.

Risk facts

CVSS score	8.5 (High)
Attack vector	Network (remote)
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	Low
User interaction	None
EPSS exploit chance	0.4% (top 72%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-22
Published	2026-08-12
Last modified	2026-10-23

Publisher (CNA): Canonical Ltd. · Vendor: canonical

Last updated 2026-10-23 · Sources: CVE Program, NVD, CISA KEV, EPSS and vendor advisories · How we score

Am I affected?

Timeline

2026-08-12 21:17 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-10-23 19:10 UTCUpdated Record last modified

canonical lxd UPGRADE

Affected: >= 4.0.0 and < 4.0.12 · >= 5.0.0 and < 5.0.7

Fixed in: 4.0.12, 5.0.7

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 4.0.0

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy lxd || rpm -q lxd || lxd --version

2. UPGRADE to 4.0.12 (Debian / Ubuntu)

sudo apt update && sudo apt install --only-upgrade lxd

2. UPGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

sudo dnf upgrade lxd

Note

Distros often backport fixes without changing the version number. Confirm with the distro advisory or changelog.

3. If no update is available yet, DOWNGRADE to a release before 4.0.0 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison lxd sudo apt install lxd=<VERSION_BEFORE_4.0.0> sudo apt-mark hold lxd

3. If no update is available yet, DOWNGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

dnf --showduplicates list lxd sudo dnf downgrade lxd-<VERSION_BEFORE_4.0.0> sudo dnf versionlock add lxd

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.

Exact fixes by distribution

Fedora 46 · kwin-zones · FIXED · 1.0.13-1.fc46 · FEDORA-2026-95888f332b · source

sudo dnf upgrade --advisory=FEDORA-2026-95888f332b

Fedora ELN · nginx-mod-brotli · FIXED · 1.0.0~rc-16.eln159 · FEDORA-2026-501a6a8273 · source

sudo dnf upgrade --advisory=FEDORA-2026-501a6a8273

Debian 12 · lxd · NO FIX YET

Debian 13 · lxd · NO FIX YET

Public exploits and detection

Public code exists for this CVE. Treat unpatched systems as at risk, and only run PoCs in a lab.

Write-up: github.com/canonical/lxd/security/advisories/GHSA-9hcm-hxh5-7xxh

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-2026-16033?

lxd: upgrade to 4.0.12, 5.0.7. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2026-16033 being exploited?

CVE-2026-16033 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-2026-16033 affect?

CVE-2026-16033 affects lxd. Severity is high (CVSS 8.5). A path traversal vulnerability in LXD allows an attacker to achieve arbitrary host file read or unconstrained file creation. When processing image metadata templates, LXD fails to properly sanitize or restrict template file paths from escap

How urgent is CVE-2026-16033?

Priority 42/100. High severity; Public exploit reference

Related CVEs

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CVE-2026-63294 CRITICAL 9.9 UPGRADE A link following vulnerability in LXD allows an attacker to achieve root command execution on the host system
CVE-2026-63298 CRITICAL 9.9 UPGRADE An improper neutralization of special elements vulnerability in LXD's NVIDIA instance configuration handling a
CVE-2026-63293 CRITICAL 9.9 UPGRADE A link following vulnerability in LXD allows an attacker to achieve arbitrary file read and write operations o

References

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