CVE-2026-104103: Ludwig: Path traversal in dataset archive extraction allows arbitrary file write via symlink members
Ludwig is a low-code framework for building custom LLMs, neural networks, and other AI models. Prior to 0.17.8, ludwig.datasets.archives.extractarchive() validated tar member names before calling TarFile.extractall() but did not validate symlink members or hard-link members. A crafted archive could create a link that escaped the extraction directory and then write a later member through that link, placing attacker-controlled content at an arbitrary filesystem path with the extracting process's privileges. The same containment check used os.path.commonprefix, so a sibling path sharing the destination's character prefix could also pass. The dataset-loading path can download and extract configured archive URLs, but exploitation requires a user to process an archive from a source controlled or compromised by the attacker on supported Python 3.12 and 3.13 runtimes. Python 3.14 is not affected because its default tar data filter rejects escaping links. This issue is fixed in version 0.17.8.
Affected Software
Remediation
Recommended actions to resolve this vulnerability, in priority order.
- Upgrade
Upgrade
Ludwigto a version that resolves this vulnerability.Fixed in 0.17.8
Event History
Frequently Asked Questions
Which environments are exposed?
Ludwig versions before 0.17.8 are exposed when running on supported Python 3.12 or 3.13 runtimes and processing an attacker-controlled or compromised archive. Python 3.14 is not affected because its default tar data filter rejects escaping links.
What must an attacker control to exploit this?
The attacker needs a user to process an archive from a source the attacker controls or has compromised, such as a configured dataset archive URL. The attack does not require attacker authentication or prior privileges on the target system.
What can be done before upgrading?
Do not download or extract dataset archives from untrusted sources, and review configured archive URLs for compromised or untrusted locations. Upgrade Ludwig to 0.17.8 as the definitive remediation.