CVE-2026-42496: Archive::Tar versions before 3.08 for Perl extract symlinks with attacker controlled targets outside the extra

Q: How do I fix CVE-2026-42496?

\: upgrade to 3.08. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Q: Is CVE-2026-42496 being exploited?

CVE-2026-42496 is not on the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities list at the time of the last update. Check again, as this can change.

Q: What does CVE-2026-42496 affect?

CVE-2026-42496 affects \. Severity is critical (CVSS 9.1). Archive::Tar versions before 3.08 for Perl extract symlinks with attacker controlled targets outside the extraction directory. _make_special_file() passes the tar header's linkname to symlink() without validating it against absolute paths

Q: How urgent is CVE-2026-42496?

Priority 48/100. Critical severity; Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action

This month

CRITICAL 9.1REMOTEUPGRADE

CVE-2026-42496 is a critical-severity flaw (CVSS 9.1) affecting \. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

Archive::Tar versions before 3.08 for Perl extract symlinks with attacker controlled targets outside the extraction directory. _make_special_file() passes the tar header's linkname to symlink() without validating it against absolute paths or .. segments. The secure-extract mode check that guards regular file extraction does not cover the symlink target. A subsequent open through the extracted name reads or writes the attacker chosen path.

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	0.5% (top 57%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-59, CWE-22
Published	2026-05-26
Last modified	2026-07-24

Publisher (CNA): CPANSec · Vendor: archive\

Last updated 2026-07-24 · Sources: CVE Program, NVD, CISA KEV, EPSS and vendor advisories · How we score

Am I affected?

Timeline

2026-05-26 02:16 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-07-24 10:10 UTCUpdated Record last modified

archive\ \ UPGRADE

Affected: < 3.08

Fixed in: 3.08

Safe to downgrade to: no unaffected older release

1. Check installed version

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

2. UPGRADE to 3.08 (Debian / Ubuntu)

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

2. UPGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

sudo dnf upgrade

Note

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

Advisories and coverage

Official advisories

AlmaLinux Errata: [ALSA-2026:30856] Important: perl-Archive-Tar security update 2026-06-30

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-2026-42496?

\: upgrade to 3.08. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2026-42496 being exploited?

CVE-2026-42496 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-2026-42496 affect?

CVE-2026-42496 affects \. Severity is critical (CVSS 9.1). Archive::Tar versions before 3.08 for Perl extract symlinks with attacker controlled targets outside the extraction directory. _make_special_file() passes the tar header's linkname to symlink() without validating it against absolute paths

How urgent is CVE-2026-42496?

Priority 48/100. Critical severity; Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action

Software pages

Perl vulnerabilities

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References

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