PatchTheCVECVE-2026-53794: rsync before 3.5.0 contains a logic error in --max-alloc handling that allows a sender or configuration settin
CVE-2026-53794 is a medium-severity flaw (CVSS 5.3) affecting affected software. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.
rsync before 3.5.0 contains a logic error in --max-alloc handling that allows a sender or configuration setting --max-alloc=0 to disable allocation sanity checks entirely rather than enforcing a zero-byte cap. Attackers can exploit this flaw to cause the receiver to attempt unbounded memory allocations for file list and data structures, potentially exhausting available memory and causing a denial of service.
Why this priority
- Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action
A fixed release or distro patch exists.
Risk facts
| CVSS score | 5.3 (Medium) |
| Attack vector | Network (remote) |
| Attack complexity | Low |
| Privileges needed | None |
| User interaction | None |
| EPSS exploit chance | 0.5% (top 58%) |
| CISA exploited list | No |
| Weakness | CWE-1284 |
| Published | 2026-08-13 |
| Last modified | 2026-10-24 |
Last updated 2026-10-24 · Sources: CVE Program, NVD, CISA KEV, EPSS and vendor advisories · How we score
Timeline
- Published CVE record published
- Updated Record last modified
Exact fixes by distribution
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-2026-53794?
No fixed release is listed yet. Watch the vendor advisory and apply any mitigation shown on this page.
Is CVE-2026-53794 being exploited?
CVE-2026-53794 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-2026-53794 affect?
CVE-2026-53794 affects affected software. Severity is medium (CVSS 5.3). rsync before 3.5.0 contains a logic error in --max-alloc handling that allows a sender or configuration setting --max-alloc=0 to disable allocation sanity checks entirely rather than enforcing a zero-byte cap. Attackers can exploit this fla
How urgent is CVE-2026-53794?
Priority 34/100. Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action