CVE-2026-35349: A vulnerability in the rm utility of uutils coreutils allows a bypass of the --preserve-root protection
CVE-2026-35349 is a medium-severity flaw (CVSS 6.7) affecting coreutils. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.
A vulnerability in the rm utility of uutils coreutils allows a bypass of the --preserve-root protection. The implementation uses a path-string check rather than comparing device and inode numbers to identify the root directory. An attacker or accidental user can bypass this safeguard by using a symbolic link that resolves to the root directory (e.g., /tmp/rootlink -> /), potentially leading to the unintended recursive deletion of the entire root
Why this priority
- No elevated risk signals yet
A fixed release or distro patch exists.
Risk facts
| CVSS score | 6.7 (Medium) |
| Attack vector | Local |
| Attack complexity | High |
| Privileges needed | None |
| User interaction | None |
| EPSS exploit chance | 0.2% (top 92%) |
| CISA exploited list | No |
| Weakness | CWE-59 |
| Published | 2026-04-22 |
| Last modified | 2026-10-26 |
Last updated 2026-10-26 · 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-2026-35349?
coreutils: upgrade to 0.7.0. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.
Is CVE-2026-35349 being exploited?
CVE-2026-35349 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-2026-35349 affect?
CVE-2026-35349 affects coreutils. Severity is medium (CVSS 6.7). A vulnerability in the rm utility of uutils coreutils allows a bypass of the --preserve-root protection. The implementation uses a path-string check rather than comparing device and inode numbers to identify the root directory. An attacker
How urgent is CVE-2026-35349?
Priority 25/100. No elevated risk signals yet.
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