CVE-2026-35372 Details
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.
A logic error has been identified in the ln utility of uutils coreutils version 0.8.0. This vulnerability allows the utility to improperly dereference symbolic links, even when the --no-dereference flag is explicitly set. The issue arises because the implementation only respected the no-dereference option when the --force mode was also activated. As a result, ln follows symbolic links pointing to directories and creates new links within those directories, rather than treating the link itself as the destination. This behavior can be exploited by a local attacker to manipulate symbolic links and redirect file creation into sensitive areas, potentially leading to unauthorized file creation or system misconfiguration.
Users can update to uutils coreutils version 0.8.0 or later, where this vulnerability has been addressed.
Metrics
CVSS 4.0 Severity and Vector Strings:
No CVSS 4.0 data is available for this CVE.
CVSS 3.x Severity and Vector Strings:
No data available for CVSS Version 2.0 on this CVE.
CISA-ADP
Assessed Apr 22, 2026References to Advisories, Solutions, and Tools
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| URL | Source(s) | Tag(s) |
|---|---|---|
| https://github.com/uutils/coreutils/pull/11253 | [email protected] | Issue TrackingPatch |
| https://github.com/uutils/coreutils/releases/tag/0.8.0 | [email protected] | Release Notes |
Weakness Enumeration
| CWE-ID | CWE Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| CWE-61 | UNIX Symbolic Link (Symlink) Following | [email protected] |
Affected Products
| Product | Versions |
|---|---|
| uutils coreutils | < 0.8.0 |
CPE
Remediation
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Change History
4 change records found show changes
| Date | Action | Recorded By |
|---|---|---|
| Jun 17, 2026 | CVE Modified | [email protected] |
| Jun 17, 2026 | CVE Modified | CISA-ADP |
| May 4, 2026 | Initial Analysis | [email protected] |
| Apr 22, 2026 | New CVE Received | [email protected] |