CVE-2026-41579: runc is a CLI tool for spawning and running containers according to the OCI specification

Routine

LOW 3.3WATCHLISTUPGRADE

CVE-2026-41579 is a low-severity flaw (CVSS 3.3) affecting runc. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

runc is a CLI tool for spawning and running containers according to the OCI specification. In versions prior to 1.3.6, 1.4.0-rc.1, 1.4.0-rc.12, 1.5.0-rc.1, and 1.5.0-rc.1, when setting up the container rootfs, setupPtmx and setupDevSymlinks call os.Remove and os.Symlink with a filepath.Join string which allow an image with /dev as a symlink to trick runc into deleting files called ptmx on the host or creating a hardcoded set of symlinks with spec

Why this priority

On your watchlist

A fixed release or distro patch exists.

Risk facts

CVSS score	3.3 (Low)
Attack vector	Local
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	None
User interaction	Required
EPSS exploit chance	0.2% (top 92%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-61
Published	2026-07-01
Last modified	2026-10-25

Publisher (CNA): GitHub, Inc. · Vendor: linuxfoundation

Last updated 2026-10-25 · Sources: CVE Program, NVD, CISA KEV, EPSS and vendor advisories · How we score

Am I affected?

Timeline

2026-07-01 02:17 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-10-25 17:10 UTCUpdated Record last modified

linuxfoundation runc UPGRADE

Affected: < 1.3.6 · >= 1.4.0 and < 1.4.3 · 1.5.0 rc1 · 1.5.0 rc2

Fixed in: 1.3.6, 1.4.3

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 1.4.0

1. Check installed version

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

2. UPGRADE to 1.3.6 (Debian / Ubuntu)

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

2. UPGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

sudo dnf upgrade runc

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 1.4.0 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison runc sudo apt install runc=<VERSION_BEFORE_1.4.0> sudo apt-mark hold runc

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

dnf --showduplicates list runc sudo dnf downgrade runc-<VERSION_BEFORE_1.4.0> sudo dnf versionlock add runc

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.

Advisories and coverage

Official advisories

Amazon Linux 2 ALAS: ALAS2ECS-2026-138 (medium): runc 2026-09-28
Amazon Linux 2 ALAS: ALAS2DOCKER-2026-141 (medium): runc 2026-09-14

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-2026-41579?

runc: upgrade to 1.3.6, 1.4.3. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2026-41579 being exploited?

CVE-2026-41579 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-2026-41579 affect?

CVE-2026-41579 affects runc. Severity is low (CVSS 3.3). runc is a CLI tool for spawning and running containers according to the OCI specification. In versions prior to 1.3.6, 1.4.0-rc.1, 1.4.0-rc.12, 1.5.0-rc.1, and 1.5.0-rc.1, when setting up the container rootfs, setupPtmx and setupDevSymlinks

How urgent is CVE-2026-41579?

Priority 19/100. On your watchlist

Software pages

containerd and runc vulnerabilities

References

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