PatchTheCEVCVE-2026-53803: rsync before 3.5.0 contains a symlink following vulnerability that allows local attackers to overwrite arbitra
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Routine
HIGH 7.8UPGRADE
CVE-2026-53803 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.8) affecting rsync. 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 symlink following vulnerability that allows local attackers to overwrite arbitrary files by placing a symlink at a predictable output path such as --log-file, --write-batch, or daemon-mode log and statistics paths. Attackers can exploit rsync's failure to reject symlinks during ancillary file writes to redirect output to arbitrary filesystem locations, achieving local privilege escalation on installations where rsync
Why this priority
- High severity
A fixed release or distro patch exists.
Risk facts
| CVSS score | 7.8 (High) |
| Attack vector | Local |
| Attack complexity | Low |
| Privileges needed | Low |
| User interaction | None |
| EPSS exploit chance | 0.2% (top 87%) |
| CISA exploited list | No |
| Weakness | CWE-59 |
| Published | 2026-08-13 |
| Last modified | 2026-10-23 |
Am I affected?
Timeline
- Published CVE record published
- Updated Record last modified
samba rsync UPGRADE
Affected: < 3.5.0
Fixed in: 3.5.0
Safe to downgrade to: no unaffected older release
1. Check installed version
apt-cache policy rsync || rpm -q rsync || rsync --version
2. UPGRADE to 3.5.0 (Debian / Ubuntu)
sudo apt update && sudo apt install --only-upgrade rsync
2. UPGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)
sudo dnf upgrade rsync
Note
Distros often backport fixes without changing the version number. Confirm with the distro advisory or changelog.
Exact fixes by distribution
Fedora 46 · gum · FIXED · 2.0.2-1.fc46 · FEDORA-2026-da0d6dd894 · source
sudo dnf upgrade --advisory=FEDORA-2026-da0d6dd894
Debian 12 · rsync · NO FIX YET
Debian 13 · rsync · FIXED · 3.5.0+ds1-0+deb13u1
sudo apt update && sudo apt install --only-upgrade rsync
dpkg --compare-versions "$(dpkg-query -W -f='${Version}' rsync)" ge "3.5.0+ds1-0+deb13u1" && echo PATCHED || echo STILL-VULNERABLE
RHEL 10 · rsync · FIXED · rsync-3.5.0-3.el10_2
sudo dnf upgrade --advisory=RHSA-2026:67463
rpm -q rsync
RHEL 8 · rsync · FIXED · rsync-3.1.3-28.el8_10
sudo dnf upgrade --advisory=RHSA-2026:74095
rpm -q rsync
RHEL 9 · rsync · FIXED · rsync-3.2.7-1.el9_8
sudo dnf upgrade --advisory=RHSA-2026:67462
rpm -q rsync
RHEL 6 · rsync · NO FIX YET
RHEL 7 · rsync · NO FIX YET
Alpine 3.21 · rsync · FIXED · rsync-3.5.0-r0
apk add --upgrade rsync
apk info -v rsync
Alpine 3.22 · rsync · FIXED · rsync-3.5.0-r0
apk add --upgrade rsync
apk info -v rsync
Alpine 3.23 · rsync · FIXED · rsync-3.5.0-r0
apk add --upgrade rsync
apk info -v rsync
Alpine 3.24 · rsync · FIXED · rsync-3.5.0-r0
apk add --upgrade rsync
apk info -v rsync
sudo dnf update --advisory=ALAS2023-2026-3131
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.
Scores and fixes here are computed automatically from those and other public sources. Confirm with the vendor advisory before changing production systems.
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