CVE-2026-41991: Predictable Temporary File in GNU gzip

Published Jun 29, 2026
·
Updated

GNU gzip contains a vulnerability in the gzexe utility related to insecure temporary file handling. When the mktemp utility is not available in the user’s PATH, gzexe falls back to constructing a temporary file path based solely on the process ID (PID). This predictable filename is created without exclusive access or existence checks. A local attacker can pre‑create the predicted temporary file path as a symbolic link pointing to an arbitrary file writable by the victim. When gzexe runs, it follows the symlink and overwrites the target file, resulting in a time‑of‑check to time‑of‑use (TOCTOU) condition that allows arbitrary file overwrite.

Affected Software

3 affected components
GNU gzip=
GNU gzip<=1.14
debian/gzip<=1.10-4+deb11u1, <=1.12-1, <=1.13-1

Remediation

Recommended actions to resolve this vulnerability, in priority order.

  1. Upgrade

    Upgrade to a fixed release to a version that resolves this vulnerability.

    Patch 4e6f8b24ab823146ab8776f0b7fe486ab34d4269

Event History

Jun 29, 2026
CVE Published
via MITRE·10:15 AM
Data Sourced
via MITRE·10:15 AM
DescriptionWeakness
Data Sourced
via NVD·12:16 PM
RemedyDescriptionSeverityWeaknessAffected Software
Jul 7, 2026
Data Sourced
via Ubuntu·03:32 PM
RemedyDescriptionSeverityAffected Software
Data Sourced
via Debian·03:33 PM
DescriptionAffected Software
Jul 8, 2026
Data Sourced
via Launchpad·03:35 PM
Description
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Frequently Asked Questions

1

What is the severity of CVE-2026-41991?

CVE-2026-41991 has a risk rating of 44.

2

How do I fix CVE-2026-41991?

To mitigate CVE-2026-41991, ensure that the mktemp utility is available in the user's PATH.

3

What software is affected by CVE-2026-41991?

CVE-2026-41991 specifically affects the GNU gzip software.

4

What type of vulnerability is CVE-2026-41991?

CVE-2026-41991 is related to predictable temporary file handling in the gzexe utility.

5

When was CVE-2026-41991 published?

CVE-2026-41991 was published on June 29, 2026.

Contact

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