CVE-2026-35372
Publication date 22 April 2026
Last updated 13 May 2026
Ubuntu priority
Description
A logic error in the ln utility of uutils coreutils allows the utility to dereference a symbolic link target even when the --no-dereference (or -n) flag is explicitly provided. The implementation previously only honored the "no-dereference" intent if the --force (overwrite) mode was also enabled. This flaw causes ln to follow a symbolic link that points to a directory and create new links inside that target directory instead of treating the symbolic link itself as the destination. In environments where a privileged user or system script uses ln -n to update a symlink, a local attacker could manipulate existing symbolic links to redirect file creation into sensitive directories, potentially leading to unauthorized file creation or system misconfiguration.
Status
| Package | Ubuntu Release | Status |
|---|---|---|
| rust-coreutils | 26.04 LTS resolute |
Not affected
|
| 25.10 questing |
Vulnerable
|
|
| 24.04 LTS noble |
Vulnerable
|
|
| 22.04 LTS jammy | Not in release |
Severity score breakdown
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Base score |
5.0 · Medium
|
| Attack vector | Local |
| Attack complexity | Low |
| Privileges required | Low |
| User interaction | Required |
| Scope | Unchanged |
| Confidentiality | None |
| Integrity impact | High |
| Availability impact | None |
| Vector | CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:R/S:U/C:N/I:H/A:N |