CVE-2026-53798: rsync < 3.5.0 Privilege Confusion via name-converter uid/gid mapping
rsync tbefore 3.5.0 contains a privilege confusion vulnerability in the name-converter subprocess uid/gid mapping that allows local attackers to cause transferred files to be owned by root by influencing name-converter responses to return empty values. When the name-converter subprocess returns an empty response for a uid or gid lookup, rsync incorrectly interprets it as a successful resolution to uid/gid 0 (root) rather than a lookup failure, and if the name-converter also signals fake super-user status, rsync proceeds with root ownership assignments for transferred files.
Affected Software
Event History
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the severity of CVE-2026-53798?
The severity of CVE-2026-53798 is rated medium with a score of 5.3.
How do I fix CVE-2026-53798?
To fix CVE-2026-53798, upgrade to rsync version 3.5.0 or later.
What type of vulnerability is CVE-2026-53798?
CVE-2026-53798 is a privilege confusion vulnerability caused by incorrect uid/gid mapping.
Who is affected by CVE-2026-53798?
Local attackers can exploit CVE-2026-53798 to cause transferred files to be owned by root.
When was CVE-2026-53798 published?
CVE-2026-53798 was published on August 13, 2026.