CVE-2026-91202
Cockpit-files: cockpit-files: arbitrary file ownership change via symlink following in privileged paste
What happened?
A flaw was found in cockpit-files. A low-privileged local user can exploit this vulnerability by crafting a directory containing a symbolic link (symlink) and then using the privileged "Paste as owner" function. This allows for arbitrary file ownership changes outside the intended pasted directory, leading to a compromise of data integrity. In some cases, this could also lead to reduced confidentiality if the new ownership grants unauthorized read access. Exploitation requires user interaction to select a non-original owner during the paste operation.
Affected software and versions
| Software | Version information | Fixed version |
|---|---|---|
| cockpit-filesRed Hat | unaffected: 0:36.1-1.el10_2 to < * | See vendor advisory |
| cockpit-filesRed Hat | unaffected: 0:36.1-1.el9_8 to < * | See vendor advisory |
Version information comes from the source record and can include unaffected products and exceptions. Distribution packages may contain backported fixes: an older upstream version alone does not prove a server is affected.
Is it being exploited?
This CVE was not listed in the CISA catalogue at our last retrieval. This does not establish that exploitation is absent.
How to respond
- Confirm the product, installed package version, and any configuration requirements in the vendor advisory.
- Follow the vendor’s remediation or workaround guidance in the references below. Structured fixed-version data is unavailable here; the publisher’s description may include a fix or workaround.
- Restart affected services if required, then verify the running version. Known exploitation may warrant investigation as well as patching.