A logic error in the ln utility of uutils coreutils allows the utility to dereference a symbolic link target even when the --no-dereference (or -n) flag is explicitly provided. The implementation previously only honored the "no-dereference" intent if the --force (overwrite) mode was also enabled. This flaw causes ln to follow a symbolic link that points to a directory and create new links inside that target directory instead of treating the symbolic link itself as the destination. In environments where a privileged user or system script uses ln -n to update a symlink, a local attacker could manipulate existing symbolic links to redirect file creation into sensitive directories, potentially leading to unauthorized file creation or system misconfiguration.
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Wed, 22 Apr 2026 18:15:00 +0000
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Wed, 22 Apr 2026 16:30:00 +0000
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| Description | A logic error in the ln utility of uutils coreutils allows the utility to dereference a symbolic link target even when the --no-dereference (or -n) flag is explicitly provided. The implementation previously only honored the "no-dereference" intent if the --force (overwrite) mode was also enabled. This flaw causes ln to follow a symbolic link that points to a directory and create new links inside that target directory instead of treating the symbolic link itself as the destination. In environments where a privileged user or system script uses ln -n to update a symlink, a local attacker could manipulate existing symbolic links to redirect file creation into sensitive directories, potentially leading to unauthorized file creation or system misconfiguration. | |
| Title | uutils coreutils ln Security Bypass via Improper Handling of the --no-dereference Flag | |
| Weaknesses | CWE-61 | |
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cvssV3_1
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Status: PUBLISHED
Assigner: canonical
Published: 2026-04-22T16:08:58.696Z
Updated: 2026-04-22T17:21:15.165Z
Reserved: 2026-04-02T12:58:56.088Z
Link: CVE-2026-35372
Updated: 2026-04-22T17:21:11.399Z
Status : Awaiting Analysis
Published: 2026-04-22T17:16:41.850
Modified: 2026-04-22T21:23:52.620
Link: CVE-2026-35372
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