CVE-2026-19444
What it is
A path traversal vulnerability was discovered in the Kubernetes kubectl client's kubectl cp command on Windows. When copying files from a container, kubectl runs tar inside the container to build a tar archive, transfers it over the network, and unpacks it on the local machine. If the tar binary in the container is malicious, it can execute arbitrary code and emit unexpected output, allowing an attacker who controls container contents to write files to arbitrary paths on the user's local machine when kubectl cp is invoked, limited only by the system permissions of the local user. This issue only affects kubectl clients running on Windows.
At a glance
- Exploitability
- Can be exploited from the same network segment with an admin-level account, but needs a user to act. High risk of data tampering.
- Exploit odds
- 0.2% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days (EPSS).
- Fix
- A patch, advisory or fixed version is referenced. Upgrade or apply it.
Timeline
- PublishedDisclosed publicly on CVE.org and NVD
- Last updatedMost recent change to the record
Why it ranks here
- Exploited in the wild: no, CISA does not list it.
- Exploit odds: 0.2% in the next 30 days (EPSS).
- Severity: 6.5 MEDIUM (CVSS).
- Fix: a patch or advisory is linked.
Details
- Published
- Last modified
- Exploit probability
- 0.2% · EPSS, next 30 days
- Weakness
- CWE-22 · Path traversal
- Record status
- Awaiting Analysis
Attack profile CVSS 3.1 · 6.5
- Attack vector
- Adjacent network
- Complexity
- Low
- Privileges needed
- High
- User interaction
- Required
- Scope
- Changed
- Confidentiality
- Low
- Integrity
- High
- Availability
- None
Raw vector
CVSS:3.1/AV:A/AC:L/PR:H/UI:R/S:C/C:L/I:H/A:N
Is it in your code?
Hand this to your coding agent. It searches your project for the affected products and checks versions. Nothing leaves your machine.
Read https://cve-list.com/agent/cve/CVE-2026-19444.md and follow it. Check whether this project is affected by CVE-2026-19444. Read only. Don't change anything and don't upload my code. Tell me yes, no or not sure, with the file as proof.
