CVE-2026-53785: rsync < 3.5.0 Path Traversal Write Escape via --relative Mode

Published Aug 13, 2026
·
Updated

rsync before 3.5.0 contains a path traversal vulnerability that allows a malicious sender to write files outside the intended destination directory tree by crafting relative paths with symlink components in --relative mode. The makepath() function follows symlinks pointing outside the destination tree while creating intermediate directories without verifying that created paths remain within the destination boundary, enabling arbitrary file writes on the receiver's filesystem.

Affected Software

1 affected component
rsync rsync<3.5.0

Remediation

Recommended actions to resolve this vulnerability, in priority order.

  1. Upgrade

    Upgrade rsync to a version that resolves this vulnerability.

    Fixed in 3.5.0

Event History

Aug 13, 2026
CVE Published
via MITRE·02:34 PM
Data Sourced
via MITRE·02:34 PM
DescriptionSeverityWeakness
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Frequently Asked Questions

1

What is the severity of CVE-2026-53785?

The severity of CVE-2026-53785 is high, with a score of 7.1.

2

How do I fix CVE-2026-53785?

To fix CVE-2026-53785, upgrade rsync to version 3.5.0 or later.

3

What is the impact of CVE-2026-53785?

The impact of CVE-2026-53785 allows a malicious sender to write files outside the intended destination directory.

4

Which versions of rsync are affected by CVE-2026-53785?

Rsync versions prior to 3.5.0 are affected by CVE-2026-53785.

5

Is there a way to mitigate CVE-2026-53785 without upgrading?

A potential mitigation for CVE-2026-53785 is to avoid using the --relative option with rsync while using affected versions.

Contact

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