CVE-2026-35349: uutils coreutils Path-Based Safety Bypass with --preserve-root
A vulnerability in the rm utility of uutils coreutils allows a bypass of the --preserve-root protection. The implementation uses a path-string check rather than comparing device and inode numbers to identify the root directory. An attacker or accidental user can bypass this safeguard by using a symbolic link that resolves to the root directory (e.g., /tmp/rootlink -> /), potentially leading to the unintended recursive deletion of the entire root filesystem.
Other sources
The --preserve-root check uses a path-string test (path.hasroot() && path.parent().isnone()) rather than comparing device/inode. A symlink to / (e.g. /tmp/rootlink -> /) has a parent component, so it passes the check. GNU caches /'s dev/inode at startup and compares every traversed directory against it.
Impact: rm -rf --preserve-root on a path that resolves through a symlink to / bypasses protection and can delete system directories. Recommendation: compare each entered directory's dev/inode against cached /.
Remediation: Acknowledged by Canonical; fixed in commit 5e5968cd.
--- Reported by Zellic in the uutils coreutils Program Security Assessment (prepared for Canonical, Jan 20 2026), audited commit 3a07ffc5a9bd4c283e75afa548ba1f1957bad242. Finding 3.44. Credit: Zellic.
— GitHub
Affected Software
Remediation
Recommended actions to resolve this vulnerability, in priority order.
- Upgrade
Upgrade
rust/uu_rmto a version that resolves this vulnerability.Fixed in 0.7.0 - Upgrade
Upgrade
uutils coreutils rm utilityto a version that resolves this vulnerability.Patch 5e5968cd
Event History
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the severity of CVE-2026-35349?
CVE-2026-35349 has a severity rating of medium due to its potential to allow unauthorized file deletion.
How do I fix CVE-2026-35349?
To fix CVE-2026-35349, upgrade uutils coreutils to version 0.7.0 or later where the vulnerability is addressed.
Who is affected by CVE-2026-35349?
CVE-2026-35349 affects users of uutils coreutils prior to version 0.7.0.
What causes CVE-2026-35349?
CVE-2026-35349 is caused by the rm utility's reliance on a path-string check instead of comparing device and inode numbers to enforce the --preserve-root functionality.
Can CVE-2026-35349 be exploited remotely?
CVE-2026-35349 typically requires local access to exploit, making remote exploitation unlikely.